Installation view of Cats & Dogs on display at The Ian Potter Centre- NGV Australia from 1 November 2024 to 20 July 2025. Photo: Tom Ross

School Holidays at NGV

Join us at the Gallery these school holidays for an art-filled day out!

Draw, learn and be inspired with activities, workshops, exhibitions and more for the whole family.

Free activities

SKETCHBOOK SESSIONS

Teens.
Tue 8 & Wed 9 April, 2–4pm
Level 2, NGV Australia

Are you working on your art folio at school or perhaps you enjoy drawing in your free-time? Sharpen up your observational drawing skills with a local artist in these drop-by drawing sessions just for teens.

No prior art experience is required, and all materials will be provided.

Find out more

MY FAVOURITE FOOD

5+ years.
9–10 April, 10am–3pm
Ground Level, NGV Australia

Are you hungry to draw? Drop by and draw your favourite food with us.

Will it be pizza, a bowl of noodles or a big plate of beans? Eating healthy food, drawing pictures and spending time with family and friends helps make us feel good inside and out.

Find out more

DRAW A FURRY FRIEND

Ages 3+ (young children may need the help of an adult).
7–8 April, 10am-1pm
Ground Level, NGV Australia

In celebration of the Cats & Dogs exhibition, join drawing activities inspired by these much-loved furry friends. Children can draw a portrait of their pet or find out if they are a cat or dog person whilst they create a set of animal-inspired ears.

Find out more

EASTER EGG HUNT

Ages 3+.
Thu 17 April, multiple sessions
NGV Garden, NGV International

Get your baskets and bunny ears ready – the NGV’s annual Easter egg hunt is back!

Hop to it to secure your place in one of four free sessions on Thursday 17 April to enjoy activities, chocolate and more.

Register now

Exhibitions

Kusama for Kids

At NGV International, St Kilda Road until 21 April 2025.

Experience the world of Yayoi Kusama in this free exhibition for kids of all ages.

 Cats & Dogs

At The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square until 20 July 2025.

From dachsunds to danes, tabbies to tortoise shells, see how these beloved pets have captured our hearts through 250 works of art and design – plus, see your own pet displayed on the Gallery walls.

 Top Arts 2025

At The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square until 20 July 2025.

Showcasing the outstanding creativity and dedication of emerging artists across Victoria, Top Arts returns for its 31st year. Selected from over 1400 applicants, this year’s exhibition celebrates the exceptional talent of 40 students who have excelled in the VCE subjects of Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice.

Shop

Lots of Dots by Yayoi Kusama

Big dots, little dots, furry dots and shiny dots are waiting to be explored on every page of this special book. With surprises at every turn, Lots of dots helps early readers to learn about colours, practise counting and begin a lifelong love of art.

Let Yayoi Kusama take you on a journey into her wonderful world of dots!

NGV design store

Plan your visit

Facilities for Families

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

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