Cartier to shine in 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition at NGV

A glittering world of luxury is coming to Melbourne next winter, with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) announcing that Cartier, Australia’s largest-ever exhibition of the iconic French maison, will headline the 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces^® series.

Opening at NGV International on St Kilda Rd from June 12 to October 4, 2026, the exhibition will showcase more than 300 exquisite treasures, including tiaras, jewels, timepieces and rare archival pieces – many never before seen in Australia.

Direct from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the exhibition traces Cartier’s extraordinary journey from a family-run Parisian workshop to an international symbol of style, craftsmanship and glamour.

Visitors will encounter legendary creations once owned or worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Princess Margaret and the Duchess of Windsor, alongside masterpieces that have adorned royals and celebrities for more than a century.

Among the highlights will be more than 20 of Cartier’s most celebrated tiaras – timeless symbols of artistry and prestige. These include the celebrated Scroll tiara (1902), worn by Clementine Churchill at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and later by Rihanna on the cover of W magazine, and the spectacular Sun tiara (1907) featuring a 32-carat fancy intense yellow diamond.

Visitors will also see the legendary ruby-and-diamond necklace gifted to Elizabeth Taylor by Mike Todd in 1957 – described by Taylor as “like the sun – lit up and made of red fire.”

Helen Molesworth, Senior Curator of Jewellery at the V&A, said the exhibition revealed how Louis, Pierre and Jacques Cartier transformed their grandfather’s Paris workshop into a global powerhouse of design and innovation.

“We are excited to share with NGV visitors an exhibition that deepens our understanding of Cartier’s pioneering vision and its ongoing influence on the way we adorn ourselves today,” Ms Molesworth said.

Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style and heritage, described the Melbourne exhibition as “a captivating journey into the world of Cartier – an enlightening experience that reveals a living language in permanent evolution.”

The immersive display will be presented with striking exhibition design by Rotterdam studios Sabine Marcelis and CLOUD, whose elegant use of light and form reflects Cartier’s own mastery of material and craftsmanship.

Tony Ellwood AM, director of the NGV, said the exhibition celebrated both the creative brilliance of Cartier and the enduring allure of fine design.

Backed by the Victorian Government, Cartier is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Melbourne, reinforcing the city’s standing as Australia’s cultural capital.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the exhibition would deliver a significant cultural and economic boost.

“This world-class showcase will support local jobs and reaffirm Melbourne as the home of Australia’s most spectacular exhibitions,” he said.

From the diamond tiaras of European royalty to the modern red-carpet glamour of Hollywood stars, Cartier will invite audiences to explore how the house’s creative legacy continues to shape fashion, art and design.

The 2026 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces^® exhibition Cartier will be on display at NGV International from June 12 to October 4, 2026. Tickets and more information will be available at ngv.melbourne •