National Gallery Of Victoria has recently established a very special place for kids to play and explore called NGV Kids Corner. We went there for the first time in June and played, explored and created in the Light Play exhibition.

Sparkling crystals, fish that respond to shadow and a view through a kaleidoscope are all part of children’s experience in Light Play; the second creative installation for children in NGV Kids Corner. Children learn about light and colour and art in a playful way. Melbourne artist Juan Ford has added his inspiring response to the installation, creating a wonderful interactive experience for children and their families.

Using the fab Flip camera that my very thoughtful husband bought me for Christmas I have made a short one minute video tour of the Light Play installation so you can see how gorgeous it is.

The three children I had with me (6, 4 and 1.5 year old) all really loved this space and played happily for close to an hour, before we had to leave to see the ABBAworld exhibition. We had toured the Rupert Bunny exhibition prior to heading to NGV Kids Corner and it was worked perfectly to break up the exhibitions for the kids. If you wanted to visit an exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre and want to spend significant time looking at the art works, I can highly recommend breaking it up, by taking the children to the Kids Corner and then going back to the exhibition.

I think my 9 and 11 year old would have only lasted 5 minutes at Kids Corner before they would have wanted to move on, but it is perfect for kids aged 6 and under. It could make an outing on its own or as a break from a art exhibition as suggested above.

Location: NGV Kids corner is located on the corner of Flinders and Russell Street. (not physically attached to the Ian Potter centre, walk around via Flinders Street.)
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm (Closed Mondays)
Cost: Free
Further Information: Parent/carer supervision required. Groups of 10 or more by appointment.
Enquiries: 03 8620 2222.

Tags: melbourne