Children's Play Ragnar Kjartansson Event. Photographer: Tim Carrafa
Children's Play Ragnar Kjartansson Event. Photographer: Tim Carrafa

School Holidays at NGV

Saturday 19 Sep – Sunday 4 Oct 26
NGV International, Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and online

Make the most of these school holidays with an exciting lineup of free workshops and artist-led activities for children, teens and families. Whether you’re looking to learn new art-making skills or just be inspired by the world of art, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Share your creations and experiences by using hashtag #NGVKids and tag @NGVMelbourne.

EventsExhibitionsShopPlan your visit
Children's Play
Ragnar Kjartansson

Until 4 Oct, free entry
NGV International

You’re invited into a world inspired by a theatrical feast. Be an actor, storyteller, or creator. Wander through the exhibition, draw what you see, sketch real or imagined foods, and build playful dessert sculptures using colourful cushions. Stack them, shape them and let them topple over!

View exhibition

Events

NGV International
Relaxed Sessions Children’s Play: Ragnar Kjartansson

5.30–7.30pm, 22 Sep, free, booking required
NGV International
NGV Creativity Club | Create Your Own Characters with Leigh Hobbs Levels 4-6

10am–12.30pm, 23 Sep, ticketed
NGV Australia
NGV Teens: Sketchbook Sessions

11am–12.30pm, 23 Sep, ticketed

(1 more time)
NGV International
NGV Creativity Club | Hidden Worlds with Kyoko Imazu Levels 4–8

2–4.30pm, 23 Sep, ticketed

(1 more time)
NGV International
NGV Creativity Club | Create Your Own Characters with Leigh Hobbs Levels 5-8

10am–12.30pm, 24 Sep, ticketed
NGV International
NGV Teens: Art-Making for Neurodivergent Teens Soft Portraits

12–2pm, 28 Sep, free, booking required

(1 more time)
NGV Australia
NGV Creativity Club | Designing Future Cities With Louise O’Brien Levels 4–8

10am–1pm, 29 Sep, ticketed

(1 more time)
NGV International
NGV Creativity Club | Zine Making with Gracia & Louise Levels 4–6

10am–12.30pm, 1 Oct, ticketed

(1 more time)

Exhibitions

NGV International

CARTIER

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® 2026 12 Jun – 4 Oct 26, ticketed
Buy tickets
NGV International

Children’s Play

Ragnar Kjartansson 26 Jun – 4 Oct 26, free entry
NGV International

Ragnar Kjartansson

Mercy 26 Jun – 4 Oct 26, ticketed
Buy tickets
NGV Australia

Margaret Preston

A retrospective exhibition 4 Sep 26 – 31 Jan 27, ticketed
Buy tickets
NGV International

Art of the Pacific

From the NGV Collection 15 Nov 25 – 8 Nov 26, free entry
NGV Australia

Wurrdha Marra

First Nations Australian art from the NGV Collection Ongoing, free entry

Beyond School Holidays

NGV Australia
Dementia-Friendly Open Studio Drop-in Art Chat and Make

10.30am–12.30pm, 24 Sep, free
Online
Big Ideas in Contemporary Art Online Series For Secondary

2–2.45pm, 7 Oct, free, booking required
Online
Under 5s Fly with Bogong Moths

10.30–11am, 8 Oct, free, booking required

(1 more time)
NGV International
NGV Teens: Art Party Teens, Art Party is back – the Gallery is yours to enjoy on this dazzling night.

6–9pm, 20 Mar, ticketed
Top Arts 2027 Applications

Applications open until 26 Oct

The annual Top Arts exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria is a celebration of the creativity and talent of young artists across the state. Students from across Victoria who have completed Units 3 and 4 of VCE in 2026 are warmly encouraged to apply to be part of the exhibition in 2027.

Find out more
Free at home activities

Activity sheets and games available for free download. Print to use, screenshot on your device and mark-up digitally, or simply take the idea and use paper and pen.

Find out more

Shop

My Nature Book
with Olaf Breuning

Join Olaf Breuning on a walk through the forest, finding new words to act out along the way.

Produced in collaboration with the artist, this charming board book showcases the artist’s vibrant woodblock paintings and playful illustrations. You can purchase a copy of My Nature Book with Olaf Breuning online or in the NGV design store to take home and read again and again!

NGV design store

Plan your visit

Facilities for Families

Pram accessibility and parking, food and drink options, and areas to stretch young legs or relax.

Find out more