The National Gallery of Victoria is transforming its rear sculpture garden into fragrant sensory experience with an installation and exhibition of scent design.

Hyper-natural: Scent from design to art.

Curated by Chandler Burr from Department of Olfactory Art in New York and former New York Times perfume critic, the exhibition charts the history of the little known discipline of scent design with seven stations dedicated to seven synthetic molecules that have made vital design statements. From the first ever molecular scent made in 1850 to the highly sophisticated synthetic scents of today, each of the molecules have contributed to creation of the most memorable perfumes.

With the aid of 18,000 freshly bloomed flowers and a mystical maze of clouds, the installation and exhibition lifts the lid on the intricate and fascinating medium of scent design.

As part of the exhibition program, curator Chandler Burr will also give a keynote lecture examining the complexity and creativity of the global perfume industry, as well as an exclusive, hands on workshop to create your own scent from raw materials.

Keynote address with Chandler Burr
Wednesday 24 September, 6pm
Clemenger BBDO Auditorium, Ground Level, NGV International
Cost: $20 Adult / $18 Concession / $16 NGV Members

Scent workshop with Chandler Burr
Saturday 27 September, 11am–1pm
Information Desk, Ground Level, NGV International
Cost: $96 / $80 NGV Members