Melbourne will add another jewel to its crown as Australia's cultural capital, with more than 300 treasures to be displayed exclusively as part of the 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Cartier exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced the world-class exhibition will be the largest Cartier display ever seen in Australia, featuring beautifully crafted pieces including jewels, tiaras, necklaces, brooches, timepieces and design drawings.
Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the exclusive Melbourne exhibition will be on show at the NGV from 12 June until 4 October 2026 and will include pieces never before seen in Australia.
Globally renowned for its unparalleled design excellence, craftsmanship and innovation, the exhibition will showcase a dazzling selection of Cartier creations owned and worn by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret, The Duchess of Windsor and many more.
Building on the momentum of this year's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: French Impressionism exhibition and the record-breaking Yayoi Kusama exhibition - which welcomed more than 570,000 visitors - Cartier is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Melbourne for their winter break.
Since beginning in 2004, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series has attracted more than eight million visitors - with this year's exhibition drawing almost 260,000 visitors so far.
Cartier will be part of Victoria's bumper major events calendar in 2026 and will coincide with the NFL Melbourne Game, meaning visitors from all over the world will be spoilt for choice when it comes to events to experience.
For more details and ticketing information, please visit ngv.vic.gov.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Not only do the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibitions provide a dazzling experience, but they are also important to the state's economy - supporting local jobs and businesses in the CBD and across Victoria."
"Cartier will again reinforce Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural capital, that's why we are backing this world-class exhibition that will be exclusive to the NGV."
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks
"This exhibition is set to be a brilliant addition to our arts and cultural calendar, providing tourists and locals alike a unique opportunity to see treasures never before seen in Australia."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"The Cartier exhibition is yet another reason for people to come and experience the food, fashion, shopping and events that makes Melbourne Australia's most compelling winter destination."
As stated by NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM
"Cartier are world-renowned for their excellence in jewellery and timepiece design and innovation - a reputation fostered by the three entrepreneurial brothers Pierre, Louis and Jacques Cartier."
"This exhibition tells the story of how they transformed their grandfather's jewellery business into one of the most prestigious international jewellery houses with a clientele including royalty, high society and movie stars."
