The NGV children’s gallery gets a wild, hands-on makeover for the NGV Triennial. Squish, Twist, Fizz runs from 13 December 2026 to 11 April 2027 at NGV International — and it’s completely free.
If you’ve ever taken your kids to the NGV children’s gallery, you already know the drill. They sprint to the entrance, make a beeline for the water wall, and suddenly you’ve got 45 minutes to kill while they try to figure out exactly how wet they can get their sleeves. The good news? From December, there’s a whole lot more to keep them busy. Artist Mika Rottenberg has created a new children’s exhibition that takes kids on a surreal, sensory journey — and it lands right alongside the much-anticipated NGV Triennial, so you can make a proper day of it.
What Is Squish, Twist, Fizz at NGV?
At the heart of the exhibition is Cosmic Generator (2017), a video work by Rottenberg that travels through brightly lit underground tunnels, where viewers come across people dressed as tacos and in business suits, women working in market stalls filled with sparkly decorations, and rickety food carts moving along the border between Mexico and the United States.
It’s strange, funny and fascinating — even for adults. By linking seemingly unrelated places and materials together, Rottenberg suggests that everything in our world may be more connected than it appears.
But the video is just the starting point. Extending beyond the screen, the exhibition invites children into a hands-on environment inspired by the film’s textures, colours and movement, where they can draw, play with light and sound, and make sculptures from plastic waste collected from the streets of New York City.
What Can Kids Actually Do There?
This isn’t a look-don’t-touch situation. The whole space is designed for getting stuck in.
Kids can make sculptures from real recycled materials, get hands-on with drawing activities, and play with light and sound installations. The Squish, Twist, Fizz exhibition highlights Rottenberg’s interest in sensory experiences and tactile materials and processes. So expect squishing, twisting, fizzing — the name really does say it all.
It works well for a range of ages, but kids roughly between 3 and 10 will get the most out of it. Toddlers will love the textures and colours. Primary-school-aged kids can really dig into the making activities.
The NGV Triennial Connection — Bonus Visits Built In
One of the best things about timing a visit for this exhibition? The 2026 NGV Triennial spans every level of NGV International and features nearly 100 artists from 35 countries, including more than 25 world-premiere commissions — from thought-provoking installations to playful, larger-than-life works.
The magic starts from the moment you arrive — the famous water wall that greets visitors before they’ve even stepped inside gets a Triennial makeover too. So yes, you’ll still get the water wall moment. Your kids will be thrilled to know that hasn’t changed.
Also on display as part of the Triennial is the interactive work The Birds (2026) by Benedikte Bjerre (Denmark), where a large gallery space fills with helium-inflated foil penguins. Visitors can pick them up and watch them slowly float back to the ground. Honestly, that’s going to be a highlight for kids too — add it to your must-see list while you’re there.
The Triennial runs from 13 December 2026 to 11 April 2027, and entry is free.
What Parents Need to Know
Cost: Free entry for the children’s gallery exhibition and the NGV Triennial. No booking required.
Location: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. The children’s gallery is on the ground level.
Pram access: The NGV is fully pram-friendly with lifts throughout.
Toilets: Baby change facilities are available in the gallery.
Food: The NGV Cafe and Tea Room are both on-site. St Kilda Road has plenty of other options nearby if you want to head out after.
Parking: Paid parking is available underneath the NGV. Tram stops (tram 3 and 5) run directly outside, which is honestly the easier option with kids in tow.
How long to allow: Budget at least 30–45 minutes for the children’s gallery alone. If you’re planning to explore the Triennial too, allow 2–3 hours minimum — or split it across two visits.
Our Take
We love the NGV children’s gallery for exactly the reason most parents do: it’s free, it’s in the CBD, and it keeps kids genuinely occupied without any screen time guilt.
Squish, Twist, Fizz looks like one of the more ambitious children’s exhibitions they’ve put on — you’re getting a proper artist with an international profile, real hands-on making activities, and a film that’s weird enough to hold adult attention too.
The timing is also smart. Opening mid-December means it’s ready for the summer school holidays, and it runs through to April — so you can also plan an Easter visit when the weather cools off a bit.
The one honest caveat: popular exhibitions at the children’s gallery can get crowded during school holidays, especially on weekends. If you can visit on a weekday, do it. You’ll get more space, and the kids can actually move freely between the activities.
Is It Worth Visiting NGV with Kids?
Yes — especially if you’re already planning a Triennial visit. The children’s gallery gives little ones their own entry point into the experience, and the combination of a free, hands-on exhibition plus the inflatable penguins and everything else the Triennial offers means there’s genuinely a lot to work with for a family day out.
Best suited for families with kids aged 2–10, though older kids who like making things will also find plenty to do.
Squish, Twist, Fizz: Mika Rottenberg for Kids NGV International, Ground Level 13 December 2026 – 11 April 2027 Free entry | ngv.vic.gov.au
FAQs
Is Squish, Twist, Fizz free?
Yes. Entry to the children’s gallery and the NGV Triennial is completely free.
Do I need to book?
No booking is required for the children’s gallery or the NGV Triennial.
What age is Squish, Twist, Fizz suitable for?
It’s designed for children, with the hands-on activities best suited to ages roughly 2–10. Younger toddlers will enjoy the sensory elements; primary-school-aged kids will love the making activities.
Can I bring a pram?
Yes. NGV International is fully accessible with lifts and wide corridors throughout.
How long does the exhibition run?
13 December 2026 to 11 April 2027.
Is there parking at the NGV?
Yes, paid parking is available under the gallery. The tram is often easier with kids — trams 3 and 5 stop directly outside.
