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
- María Félix
- Lady Clementine Churchill
- Pierre Rainero
- Louis Cartier
- Pierre Cartier
- Jacques Cartier
- Louis-François Cartier
- King Edward VII
- Queen Elizabeth II
Institutions
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
- NGV International
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
- Cartier
- Cartier Collection
- Cloud
- Sabine Marcelis Studio
- W magazine
- V&A
- British Museum
- Qatar Museums
- Musée des Arts Décoratifs
- H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco’s collections
- Al Thani Collection
- Studio Sabine Marcelis
- CLOUD
- Victoria & Albert Museum
Locations
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- London
- United Kingdom
- Egypt
- India
- China
- Japan
- Iran
- Paris
- France
- New York
- Finland
- Mexico