Martin Grant: A Retrospective at NGV Australia
Timeless elegance from Melbourne to Paris.
If you’ve ever admired the quiet confidence of a perfectly tailored coat or the sculptural grace of a couture gown, the Martin Grant exhibition at NGV Australia is an absolute must-see. This retrospective celebrates one of Melbourne’s most accomplished fashion exports—an artist whose designs have graced red carpets, runways, and royalty.
Housed at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square, the exhibition traces Grant’s journey from his early days in Melbourne through to his Paris atelier, where he has dressed some of the most recognisable women in the world. Expect structure, sophistication, and a masterclass in the art of timeless style.
Below, our contributor Angie shares her first-hand impressions from her visit.
Martin Grant at NGV Australia
Angie Taylor
Hi Fashion Lovers! This week, I finally had the chance to visit the Martin Grant exhibition at the NGV Ian Potter Centre, Federation Square.
I’ll admit that I knew less about Martin Grant than I should, considering he’s dressed some of the most famously photographed women in the world – Cate Blanchette, Naomi Campbell, Lee Radziwill & Lady Gaga, to name a few.
Martin Grant grew up in Melbourne in the 1970s, and incredibly, even his kindergarten paintings reflect some of the forms which are echoed in this current exhibition. In the 1990s, Australian-born Grant, already highly regarded in the global fashion world, re-established his studio in the Marais district of Paris.
This collection spans four decades of his work. As you wander throughout the exhibition, I challenge you to guess the dates of his timeless and elegant garments before you read the descriptive panel. My friend and I were so surprised. Whether they were made in the 1980s or just a handful of years ago, each garment is timelessly elegant & still infinitely wearable today and will be well into the future.
From the first exhibit of Napoleon-inspired pea coats & jackets, I found myself saying “I’d wear this, I’d wear that’ rather than viewing a look I remembered wearing in the past. The emphasis is on the female form, the choice of fabric is dependent on the way the garment will move and the detail of overstitching & pleating had me stopping frequently to look closely at each garment, marvelling at the skills required to create these seemingly effortless garments.
Angie’s review continues
There are several rooms to wander through. In the room, which I’ll call his runway room, models wear hot pink silk dresses and pant suits, as if on the catwalk runway. In this room, there are vignette alcoves running the length of each of two walls. Each alcove is staged to coordinate beautifully with the two or 3 garments worn by models.
We moved on to party and cocktail wear, then through to view a video of his models on the Paris catwalk. They wear the garments we’ve been lucky enough to see on our visit. There is bench seating & by then we were pleased to rest for a moment and watch how Martin Grant’s garments moved on the models and to pick our favourites.
Then through to the Gala room, which is mood-set with the dark of night & spotlights. Each evening dress is arranged exquisitely, some suspended to show them off at their finest. Two caught our eye; one made of draped silver fabric and another, a red ball gown, which is equally as beautiful from the front and the back. Be sure to walk around both sides of all of Martin Grant’s designs, where it is possible.
My friend who visited with me commented, “I love the range and the variety. He’s not locked into a look.”
If you have ever picked up a needle and thread, you’ll appreciate not only the detail, the cut & the fabric chosen for each garment, but also how wearable and timeless each piece remains, whether it was designed in the 80s or in recent years.
My personal favourites were the Napoleon-inspired coats & jackets.
My friend loved a gold 3-piece suit, which was also stunning. What will yours be?
The exhibition continues until 26th January 2026. There is still plenty of time to enjoy it.
Tickets are $25, Concession $20.
Martin Grant Exhibition Details
Where: The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square
When: Until 26 January 2026
Tickets: Adults $25 | Concession $20 | NGV Members free
Accessibility: The NGV is wheelchair accessible with accessible bathrooms and lift access between levels. Seating is available in several exhibition spaces.
Handy Tips
- Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, enjoy free entry to NGV’s permanent exhibitions or join a free guided tour while you’re there.
- Take your time. The exhibition flows through several rooms, each with its own atmosphere, so allow at least an hour to enjoy it fully.
- Visit midweek for a quieter experience—perfect for taking in the detail of Grant’s meticulous craftsmanship.
- Combine your visit with a coffee or lunch at one of the nearby Federation Square cafés, including Riverland Bar, Chocolate Buddha, and Transport Hotel.
- Visit nearby galleries ACMI and Koorie Heritage Trust within Fed Square, , or take a stroll along the Yarra River.
- Public transport: The venue is easily accessible via Flinders Street Station or tram routes that stop directly outside Federation Square.
- Various parking facilities close by.
Whether you’re a lifelong fashion devotee or simply appreciate beautiful design, this exhibition is a love letter to craftsmanship and enduring elegance — and a reminder of Melbourne’s place on the world fashion stage.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Ph 03 8620 2222
ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au
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The Seniors in Melbourne team visited this exhibition as guests of NGV. All opinions are the writer’s own,
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