One of our favourite nights of the year returns.
On 20 June, Brody House once again opens its doors for a midsummer evening of art, music, cocktails, and curious encounters as part of Night of Museums.
Wander through Michael Pettet's new exhibition, The Flood Tablet: Fragments of Conflict and Survival, and immerse yourself in an evening of art, conversation, music, and discovery in the unique atmosphere of the Brody House Art Bunker.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Drawing conceptual parallels between the ancient flood myth of the Epic of Gilgamesh and contemporary catastrophes—from warfare and nuclear disaster to the climate crisis—Michael Pettet's digital paintings create a fragmented visual narrative connecting ancient memory with present-day anxieties.
Through the series Dogs of War and Chernobyl Diaries, eerie landscapes populated by animalistic forms evoke worlds suspended between prehistory and a post-human future. Yet within these haunting scenes lies a sense of hope: that creativity and reflection, even in the aftermath of catastrophe, can offer the possibility of empathy, resilience, and renewal.
SCHEDULE
6 PM
Supper begins, cocktails start flowing.
6 - 7 PM
Founders' Art Tour & Talk (ticketed)
Cocktail in hand, put the founders' knowledge to the test. Join Peter Grundberg and William Clothier for an entertaining tour through the Brody Collection as they revisit over two decades of collecting, sharing stories behind the artworks and attempting to recall which artist created which piece.
7 - 7:30 PM
Exhibition Opening & Artist Talk (ticketed)
The Flood Tablet: Fragments of Conflict and Survival
Join artist Michael Pettet and the founders of Brody House for an interactive conversation around the exhibition, including a guided tour of the works and an open Q&A.
Inspired by Tablet XI of the Epic of Gilgamesh—one of humanity's oldest surviving accounts of catastrophe and survival—the exhibition explores connections between ancient flood myths and modern forms of devastation, including war, nuclear disaster, and climate crisis.
Rather than depicting apocalypse directly, Pettet's works present dreamlike landscapes inhabited by animalistic figures that feel both prehistoric and post-human, existing outside conventional time. Through their sensitivity and restraint, the paintings suggest that creativity and reflection remain powerful forces for empathy and renewal, even after profound disruption.
8 PM til late
Brody House Sonic Sessions: BANDEOKE (free event)
Bandeoke—yes, that's karaoke with a live band.
Take the stage, choose your song, and perform backed by live musicians. Whether you're a seasoned performer or simply feeling brave after a cocktail or two, expect an evening of unexpected collaborations, crowd favourites, and memorable moments.
TICKETS
Participation in the evening's programme requires a valid Night of Museums wristband.
Night of Museums tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the event. Guests may collect their wristbands at the Brody House reception upon arrival.
Please note that Brody House Sonic Sessions: BANDEOKE (from 8 PM) is free and open to everyone, whether or not you are visiting the exhibitions and ticketed programmes.