The Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has shattered attendance records, drawing nearly 500,000 visitors and becoming the most attended ticketed art exhibition in Australian history.

Since its opening in December 2024, the exhibition has surpassed the previous record held by the 2017 'Van Gogh and the Seasons' event, which attracted over 462,262 visitors.

As of mid-April 2025, the exhibition has welcomed over 480,000 attendees, and curator Wayne Crothers estimates that total attendance will exceed 500,000 by the time it closes on April 21, prompting extended opening hours until midnight.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted that the exhibition brought in 'five MCGs worth of visitors' to Melbourne, although the costs associated with hosting it remain undisclosed due to commercial-in-confidence restrictions.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks noted that cultural activities like this exhibition contribute significantly to the state's economy, supporting 325,000 jobs and representing 7.5% of Victoria's economic output.

The exhibition has attracted a diverse audience, including families and individuals who typically do not visit galleries, creating a snowball effect of repeat visits.

Kusama's signature works, such as her playful pumpkins and polka-dotted installations, have resonated with visitors of all ages, including celebrities like Dua Lipa.

NGV director Tony Ellwood expressed surprise at the exhibition's overwhelming success and confirmed that the gallery would extend its hours to accommodate the influx of visitors.

To manage the high demand for Kusama's popular 'infinity rooms,' the NGV has implemented a queueing system and time limits for visitors.

At 96 years old, Kusama is recognized as the world’s top-selling female artist, which has significantly contributed to the exhibition's appeal, even amidst economic challenges.

The exhibition showcases the joy of art, connecting with a wide range of audiences, from selfie-loving teens to emotional repeat visitors.

Despite some skepticism from art critics regarding Kusama's mass appeal, curator Wayne Crothers defends the importance of engaging a broader audience with art.