Looking for something colourful, creative and free to do with the kids?
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has just the thing — Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids: Designed by Danielle Brustman, open until 3 May 2026 at NGV International on St Kilda Road.
It’s a fashion-themed playground packed with sparkly lights, disco tunes, dress-ups and fun activities.
So whether your kids love to dance, design, or just get silly in front of a mirror, this one’s made for them!
What to Expect Inside the NGV Children’s Gallery
Walk into the NGV Children’s Gallery, and step into the world’s most stylish kids’ party.
There’s music, glittering disco balls, colourful costumes, and plenty of room to move.
The exhibition has been designed especially for kids by Melbourne interior designer Danielle Brustman, who’s known for turning spaces into vibrant, joyful works of art. She has created the exhibition as a vibrant, theatrical world celebrating the excitement of getting ready for a party!
At the centre of it all is an illuminated dance floor. Think Saturday Night Fever meets Play School! Kids can pick their own songs from a jukebox and dance under the disco lights while parents snap a few (hundred) photos.
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Fashion Meets Fun
The walls around the dance floor are lined with more than 35 stunning garments and accessories from the NGV’s Fashion and Textiles Collection.
Expect big names like Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, and Romance Was Born, alongside amazing local designers such as Lisa Waup x Verner, Nixi Killick, and Imane Ayissi.
There are punk-inspired outfits, huge ruffled dresses, teddy bear shoes, and even surreal hats!
One of Brustman’s biggest inspirations is Tomo Koizumi’s Look 27, a wild, rainbow-coloured outfit made from over 200 metres of ruffled organza. The dress featured at New York Fashion Week and now stars in this exhibition.
Dress Up and Strike a Pose
What’s a party without costumes? The interactive dress-up zone is a huge hit for kids who love to play pretend.
Designed by Brynna Lowen, the costumes come in fun shapes like hearts, stars and lightning bolts. Your little ones can pick their favourite outfit, twirl in front of the mirrors, and admire their new look.
The best bit? Once they’re dressed up, families can head to the photo booth to capture the moment. There’s sculptural lighting, space to pose or do a mini runway walk, and you’ll leave with a photo that’ll make everyone smile.
Get Crafty With Party Hats
Alongside the fashion and dancing, there’s a dedicated art-making station where kids can design their own party hats.
With sparkly stickers, bright colours and heaps of creative freedom, we think that younger visitors will particularly love the hands-on fun.
A Day Out at NGV is Perfect for All Ages
Whether you’ve spent the morning exploring the main galleries or are just looking for something fun to do with the kids in Melbourne CBD, this gallery provides a colourful escape.
Here’s why Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids should be on your family’s must-visit list this summer:
- It’s free – no tickets, no stress and you can stay as long as you like.
- It’s interactive – your kids can dance, dress up, and make art.
- It’s indoors – perfect for hot or rainy days.
- It’s inspiring – experience fashion, creativity, and self-expression
- It’s easy to access – right in the heart of Melbourne, with public transport and parking nearby.
Since it’s inside NGV International, you can easily pair your visit with a wander through the sculpture garden or a treat at the Gallery Kitchen café.
More Fun at NGV Kids Summer Festival
If your family loves Let’s Party!, make sure to come back for the NGV Kids Summer Festival, happening 10–16 January 2026. This free, week-long celebration takes place at both NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
Each day features party-inspired workshops, story times, live performances, and hands-on art activities, all based on the same fun themes of creativity and self-expression.
NGV Kids on Tour – Bringing the Fun Statewide
Can’t make it to Melbourne? NGV is taking the fun on the road with NGV Kids on Tour throughout January 2026.
More than 160 community venues across Victoria will host free Let’s Party! inspired activities for kids and teens. From regional libraries to local galleries, families everywhere can join in the fun — no matter where they live.
FAQs on Visiting Let’s Party!
What’s the best age for children to enjoy Let’s Party!?
Kids aged roughly 0–8 years will enjoy Let’s Party! The interactive zones, dress-up costumes and dance floor are especially suited for the younger side of that range.
Where in NGV International is the exhibition located?
The exhibition is on the Ground Level in the Children’s Gallery at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Is there any cost or booking required?
Entry to Let’s Party! is free for all visitors — no ticket cost listed. It runs from 28 November 2025 to 3 May 2026.
What interactive activities will my kids be able to do?
Children can dance on an illuminated party-floor with a jukebox, try on themed costumes (shapes like stars, hearts, lightning bolts), pose in a photobooth and design their own party hats.
Are the exhibits suitable for younger children (toddlers/preschoolers)?
Yes — the setting is colourful, playful and sensible for younger kids. While some fashion displays may be more interesting for older children, the dress-up and dance zones are ideal for under-5s.
What facilities are available for parents and children (e.g. café, restrooms, stroller access)?
NGV International is accessible; parents can take advantage of the nearby Gallery Café and Garden Restaurant (more elevated restaurant) inside NGV for a break.
Where is a good place for a family-friendly bite near NGV?
Within the NGV precinct, the Gallery Cafe inside NGV International offers the most relaxed dining option. For casual cafés, nearby Southbank dining options are a short stroll away.
How long should we budget for our visit with kids?
Plan for around 30 minutes to fully enjoy the dress-up zone, dance floor, photo booth and exhibit displays without feeling rushed — plenty of time for a relaxed visit with children.
Is the exhibition stroller-friendly and easy with prams?
The entrance is on the ground floor of NGV International, so it is suitable for strollers and prams. However, you will need to park your pram outside in the designated area.
Are there quiet or sensory-friendly spaces for children who need a break?
While specific quiet zones aren’t listed, the Children’s Gallery layout and on-site NGV facilities mean you can step aside for a calm moment if needed. Plan to go earlier in the day for a less crowded visit.
What happens after the gallery visit – any nearby playground or outdoor space for kids?
After NGV, you can stroll a short distance to Alexandra Gardens across the road, head to the nearby Southbank Promenade by the Yarra River for a riverside walk or cross the bridge for Fed Square and Birrarung Marr for open space for kids to run around. The Artplay playground at Birrarung Marr is great and you can drop into the free Artplay exhibition Sonic Labyrinth (if it’s open).
