Children's Gallery (Melbourne Museum), Melbourne Travel Guide

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.