In commemoration of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, The Picasso Century, NGV Friday Nights will make a comeback from 10 June with a line-up of live performances, DJ sets, bars, and Spanish-inspired dancing.

Mirroring the creative and vibrant community of Picasso’s Paris, The Picasso Century Friday Nights series is inspired by the nightlife that Paris made legendary.

The season will see the best of Melbourne’s musical talent take the stage and perform soulful vocals, DJ sets, instrumental jazz-funk and ambient groove, offering a one-of-kind backdrop to the exhibition and an opportunity to boogie.

The NGV’s Garden Restaurant will also be taken over by Matt McConnell and Jo Gamrvo’s Bar Lourinhã for a celebration of Spanish culture and dining.

Only for a strictly limited time, the restaurant will open exclusively on Friday evenings from 6pm until late, and daily for lunch service throughout the exhibition’s run.

NGV director Tony Ellwood says NGV Friday Nights perfectly complements The Picasso Century exhibition.

“It offers an enriched after-hours experience that immerses visitors in the artworks and places from the exhibition, along with music performances and DJ sets by some of Melbourne’s best musical talent and Spanish style cuisine.

“A wide range of visitors can enjoy NGV Friday Nights with its unique food, dining and music offering, all discovering the masters on loan from Paris.”

The first two weeks of the program will be headlined by Papua New Guinea-born Australian-based future soul singer-songwriter NGAIIRE on 10 June and acclaimed Indigenous vocalists Emma Donavan accompanied by Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks on 17 June.

NGV Friday Nights, wrapping up on 7 October, will see 18 performers light up the night in the Great Hall, while visitors also enjoy a menu of full wines from the Yarra Valley. And if you’re more inclined to bubbles, the Pommery Champagne Bar in Gallery Kitchen will provide Pommery Pops at the Pommery cart.

And to stay warm, the Garden Terrace will feature mulled and dessert wine along with blankets and heaters for a unique chance to relax and soak up an evening at Melbourne’s premier cultural precinct.

NGV Friday Nights will run from 10 June to 7 October at NGV International. Further information about performances, dining, and tickets can be found via the NGV website.

Lead image of Thandi Phoenix performing at NGV. Photography by Tim Carrafa.

You can learn more about The Picasso Century exhibition by checking out ADR’s article here.