Visiting with Kids

Photograph of balloon with silhouettes of kids playing

Deflation of Patricia Piccinini's Skywhale, 2013, gift of anonymous donor 2019, donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program © Patricia Piccinini

Photograph of young person sitting on stool wearing virtual reality headset

Before

  • Find out about exhibitions that might interest you and your family
  • Talk to your children about what they might see and involve them in planning their visit to the Gallery.
  • Explain that we don't touch the art because it shows respect for the artist and will help protect the art for centuries to come.
  • Check out the What’s On calendar for more information on our range of free programs for kids of all ages to enjoy with their families.
Photograph of family sitting and weaving materials in the gallery

During

  • Walk slowly and hold hands to stay together
  • Follow your children’s lead and let them guide you to the works of art they are most interested in
  • Break up your visit with some fresh air, a rest or a snack in the Sculpture Garden
  • If you have a question, please ask our friendly Visitor Experience staff on the ground level near the main entrance.
Photograph of a family group crouching in the garden beds of the Sculpture Garden

Tips

  • Ask questions
  • What can you see?
  • What does it make you think about?
  • How does it make you feel?
  • Is there anything here that surprises you?
  • Play ‘I Spy’!

Related

Australians in the Sculpture Garden

A photograph of seven alternating silver chrome cones

Fiona Hall's Fern Garden

Photograph of Fiona Hall's Fern Garden

At the beginning of 1996 Mary Eagle, then the National Gallery's Senior Curator of Australian Art, approached Fiona Hall to consider a commission.

Kids & Families

At The Gallery

Photograph of family sitting and weaving materials in the gallery

Think outside the box and plan an art adventure for the whole family at the National Gallery.

Kids and Families experience the NGA's Hyper Real exhibition

A video still of a family looking at a sculpture in an exhibition
Duration: 00:30

Published 01 March 2018

Kids & Families

Sculpture Garden Sunday 2013

A video still of a few people at art easels in front of a large sculpture outside
Duration: 02:00

Published 26 March 2013

Sculpture Garden

Photograph of sculpture garden with Virginia by Clement Meadmore in foreground and lake in background

Sculpture has most often been made to occupy open areas, in civic squares and in gardens, or to adorn the facades of buildings or mark sacred sites.