Rolex has partnered with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) as its inaugural Timepiece Partner, marking the luxury watchmaker’s first major arts collaboration in Australia.
The partnership will see Rolex clocks installed at Federation Court in NGV International and the ground floor foyer of The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The displays aim to highlight the brand’s design legacy while connecting with Australia’s cultural audience.
Rolex Australia’s Managing Director, Benoit Falletti, said the alliance reflects the brand’s commitment to the arts. “Rolex has an ambitious and authentic approach to its support of the arts, creating deep and lasting connections within the global arts community. The NGV stands as one of Australia’s truly significant cultural organisations,” Falletti said.
NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM welcomed the partnership, describing it as a meaningful alignment of shared values. “As a global destination for art and design, the NGV is delighted to partner with Rolex through their Perpetual Arts Initiative and, with their support, continue to share global arts and culture with all Australians,” Ellwood said.
Rolex’s Global Arts Strategy
The partnership forms part of Rolex’s Perpetual Arts Initiative, a program that has supported cultural institutions and artists worldwide for over five decades. The initiative spans various disciplines, including architecture, cinema, music, and visual arts, and focuses on fostering talent and preserving artistic heritage.
Other global partnerships under the initiative include London’s Royal Opera House, New York’s Metropolitan Opera, and Paris’s Opéra National. Rolex also mentors emerging artists through its Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, which pairs young creatives with leaders in their respective fields.
A boost for NGV
For the NGV, the collaboration strengthens its reputation as a cultural hub and enhances the experience for visitors. The gallery, established in 1861, is Australia’s oldest and most visited public art institution. With Rolex’s support, the NGV continues to attract global audiences while highlighting Melbourne’s role as a centre for art and design.
The Rolex clocks, now part of NGV’s iconic spaces, underscore the intersection of craftsmanship and creativity. Positioned in high-traffic areas, they serve as more than timepieces—they represent a meeting point between the precision of horology and the timelessness of art.
