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Children's Gallery: A World of Wonder at Melbourne Museum

Explore, play, and learn at Melbourne Museum's Children's Gallery: a world of wonder for kids aged 0-5.

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The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery at Melbourne Museum is a vibrant and engaging space designed for children aged 0-5. It offers a range of interactive exhibits that encourage exploration, play-based learning, and discovery.

A brief summary to Children's Gallery (Melbourne Museum)

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your free, timed entry slot online in advance to guarantee access to the Children's Gallery.
  • Allow ample time to explore the entire Melbourne Museum, as the Children's Gallery is just one of its many attractions.
  • Take advantage of the museum's accessibility features, including accessible lifts and ramps throughout the gallery.
  • Check the Melbourne Museum website for social stories designed for families with children on the autism spectrum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Melbourne Museum is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram route 86 or 96 to Stop 11, Melbourne Museum, at the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets. Alternatively, take the City Loop train to Parliament Station and walk approximately 15 minutes to the museum. Bus routes 250, 251, and 402 also stop near the museum on Rathdowne Street. A single fare on trams, trains, and buses within Melbourne is around $5.

  • Walking

    Melbourne Museum is located on Nicholson Street, Carlton, just north of the city center. From Melbourne CBD, it's approximately a 20-minute walk. Head north on Swanston Street, then turn left onto Victoria Street. Continue onto Rathdowne Street, and the museum will be on your right.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Melbourne. A taxi from Melbourne CBD to the museum is a short ride, costing approximately $8 - $10, excluding tolls and potential surge pricing. Taxi and car share parking is available on Rathdowne Street.

  • Parking

    The Melbourne Museum Carpark is located under the museum, accessible via Rathdowne Street or Nicholson Street. As of July 1, 2025, visitors can enjoy $25 parking by validating their ticket at the museum information desk. Hourly rates apply, with a maximum daily rate. Payment is card only. Alternatively, there are parking lots on the corner of Cardigan and Grattan St, and Paramount Car Park is within walking distance.

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Discover more about Children's Gallery (Melbourne Museum)

The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery, located within the Melbourne Museum, is a captivating world designed specifically for babies and children up to five years old. This unique gallery is more than just a play space; it's a carefully crafted environment where young minds can explore, learn, and grow through interactive experiences. The gallery features a variety of engaging activities, including a dinosaur dig where budding paleontologists can excavate a Mamenchisaurus skeleton. There's also a discovery garden for aspiring botanists to explore plants and stories, and a 'camouflage disco' for those who love to dance. Young curators can even gaze at specially selected museum objects. The Children's Gallery combines hands-on exploration, open-ended play, immersive environments, and unique museum collection objects. It's a place where families, carers, and educators can learn together, fostering a sense of community and shared discovery. The gallery also features a climbing net suitable for children 5 years and under, interactive murals by street artist David Booth, and indigenous storytelling through frog sculptures. A highlight is the one-third life size model of the Victorian Railway's first C-class steam locomotive. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the Children's Gallery requires a free, timed entry slot to be reserved in addition to a general admission ticket. Sessions are 50 minutes long, and it's recommended to book online in advance to guarantee access.

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