Catch The World’s Biggest Yayoi Kusama Exhibition At The NGV

In a monumental celebration of contemporary art, NGV International is hosting the largest-ever retrospective of iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Featuring over 180 works, this expansive exhibition spans Kusama’s extraordinary eight-decade career, making it a global first and an unmissable event.

The exhibition is so expansive that it spills onto St Kilda Road, where over 60 of the street’s iconic plane trees have been wrapped in Kusama’s signature polka dots. Aptly named The Ascension of Polka Dots, the vivid pink installation transforms the tram corridor into an outdoor gallery, creating a visually stunning experience that’s completely free to enjoy.

Inside the NGV, visitors can explore even more of Kusama’s captivating creations. There’s a site-specific artwork adorning the NGV’s famous waterwall, playful polka-dotted inflatables in the Great Hall, and a dedicated children’s exhibition showcasing Kusama’s imaginative spirit.

Among the standout works is the Dancing Pumpkin, an enormous 5-metre-tall bronze sculpture weighing nine tonnes. One of eleven yellow-and-black polka-dotted pumpkins created in 2020, this striking piece invites visitors to walk beneath its towering form.

Other highlights include a kaleidoscopic infinity mirror room, making its global debut, where audiences are immersed in the illusion of endless space. The exhibition also features 20 experimental fashion designs that capture Kusama’s avant-garde vision, as well as plans for a 6-metre-high tentacular sculpture boldly adorned with her signature polka dots.

Renowned for her bold colours, hypnotic patterns, and iconic polka dots, Yayoi Kusama is a pioneer of contemporary art. Her works are celebrated for their playfulness, depth, and immersive nature, cementing her as one of the most influential artists of our time.

“This world-premiere NGV-exclusive exhibition allows local audiences and visitors alike the chance to experience Kusama’s practice in deeper and more profound ways than ever before,” says NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM.

Opening this December at NGV International, the Yayoi Kusama retrospective promises a one-of-a-kind journey through the mind of a true artistic pioneer. From thought-provoking paintings and sculptures to immersive installations and outdoor displays, this exhibition is set to be a cultural highlight for Melbourne and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to experience Kusama’s magnum opus.

Yayoi Kusama exhibition will open its doors from 15 December 2024 and run until 21 April 2025, with tickets on sale now over here.

Image credits: Yayoi Kusama | Tobias Titz