Cartier’s largest Australian exhibition opens at NGV Melbourne with nearly 400 jewels
From June 12 to October 4, 2026, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne will unveil ‘Cartier,’ Australia’s largest exhibition dedicated to the luxury brand. Co-curated by Helen Molesworth from the V&A and the NGV, the display includes nearly 400 pieces, featuring remarkable jewelry, watches, and archival items, highlighted by an original soundtrack. Visitors can explore color-themed galleries, showcasing iconic pieces such as the 1914 Model A mystery clock and the Manchester tiara adorned with over 1,500 diamonds. A special section will feature 24 tiaras, including those worn by Rihanna, Elizabeth Taylor, and Maria Felix, celebrating the brand's artistic legacy.
Key facts
- Cartier exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne, runs 12 June to 4 October 2026.
- Nearly 400 jewels and timepieces are on display.
- Co-curated with V&A’s Helen Molesworth, building on a 2025 London show.
- Exhibition designed by Sabine Marcelis and Paul Cournet.
- 1914 Model A mystery clock is a highlight, described by Cartier Collection director Pascale Lepeu.
- Manchester tiara (1903) features over 1,500 diamonds.
- Patiala necklace includes a 234.65ct De Beers yellow diamond.
- Rotunda features 24 tiaras, including the Scroll tiara worn by Rihanna.
Entities
Artists
- Pascale Lepeu
- Sabine Marcelis
- Paul Cournet
- Helen Molesworth
- Ai Yamamoto
- Erkki Veltheim
- Dame Nellie Melba
- Daisy Fellowes
- Barbara Hutton
- Doris Duke
- Maharaja of Patiala
- Jeanne Toussaint
- Duchess of Windsor
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Mike Todd
- Maria Felix
- Lady Nancy Astor
- Lady Phyllis Brand
- Rihanna
- Kee Foong
- Tony Ellwood AM
- Pierre Rainero
- Miranda Wallace
- Amanda Dunsmore
- Marcus Bunyan
- Louis Cartier
- Pierre Cartier
- Jacques Cartier
- Louis-François Cartier
- Alfred Cartier
- Princess Margaret
- Wallis Simpson
- Bhupinder Singh
- Begum Aga Khan III
- Clementine Churchill
- King Edward VII
- King George V
- Queen Mary
- Coco Chanel
- Charles de Gaulle
- Countess of Essex
- Elisabeth of Bavaria, Queen of the Belgians
- Count Greffulhe
- Lady Granard
- Gloria Swanson
- Consuelo Montagu, Dowager Duchess of Manchester
- Helena Zimmerman
- Nellie Paterson
- David Mitchell
- Aram Alban
- Nils Herrmann
- Vincent Wulveryck
- Marian Gérard
- George Grantham Bain
- María Félix
- Lady Clementine Churchill
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Grace Kelly
- Andy Warhol
- The Duchess of Windsor
Institutions
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
- NGV International
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
- Cartier
- Cartier Collection
- Cloud
- Sabine Marcelis Studio
- W magazine
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Studio Sabine Marcelis
- CLOUD
- Melbourne Winter Masterpieces
- Petit Palais
- Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes
- Pavillon de l'élégance
- Bain News Service
- Library of Congress
- Heritage Auctions
- Archives Cartier Paris
- Archives of the Royal Palace, Brussels
- Abwehr
- V&A
- British Museum
- Qatar Museums
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs
- H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco’s collections
- Al Thani Collection
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Maison Cartier
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- London
- United Kingdom
- Egypt
- India
- China
- Japan
- Iran
- Paris
- France
- New York
- United States
- Africa
- South America
- Sri Lanka
- Middle East
- French Riviera
- Kashmir
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Washington, D.C.
- Finland
- Mexico