Open wide, come inside, ACMI and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation are celebrating 60 years of Play School with a free children’s play exhibition about how an episode of the iconic series is made.
Running until 12 July 2026 before touring nationally, Play School: Come and Play! invites curious pre-schoolers behind-the-scenes of their favourite show, from the production office to the live action set.
“This magical and memorable exhibition allows families to step inside the iconic TV series we all know and love. Rather than a nostalgic look back, it’s a celebration of how an episode of Play School is made in 2026,” said ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan. “As Australia’s national museum of screen culture, ACMI is uniquely placed to showcase this national treasure. Open wide, come inside, it’s Play School.”
Young visitors can pretend to be a presenter, camera operator or director, look through the windows, hear stories beneath the rocket clock, sing-a-long to their favourite songs and meet Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Humpty and Kiya in this hands-on, world premiere exhibition.
Curated with children aged two to five at its heart, Play School: Come and Play! celebrates learning through play, with music, make-believe, games, and stories to tell.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Play School’s 60th anniversary with this collaboration with ACMI,” said ABC Director Screen, Jen Collins. “For generations, Play School has sparked imagination, inspired curiosity and created a sense of belonging for millions of Australian families – and its magic shows no signs of slowing down. This exhibition is a rare chance to step inside the creativity, craft and heart behind one of our most beloved programs.”
Alongside the exhibition, ACMI and the ABC will present Play School Talks, a dynamic three-part speaker series focused on early learning through the screen, the transformative power of play and screen literacy.
ACMI’s free, guided play-based experience, ACMI Preschoolers, will continue monthly, designed to help two to five-year-olds enjoy the museum with their parent, grandparent or carer. A family education kit will also be available online.
Play School is Australia’s longest-running children’s program, and the second-longest running children’s program in the world. First airing on the ABC on 18 July 1966, it has kept young Australians entertained for six decades, through song, games, stories and silliness.
“For more than half a century Play School has nurtured creativity, curiosity, and inclusion for generations of children. Its legacy continues to shape how we tell stories, celebrate diversity, and inspire imaginations,” said Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks.
“This exhibition is yet another free, family-friendly attraction we can look forward to in 2026 and is set to delight Play School fans of all ages.”
Play School: Come and Play!
ACMI – Federation Square, Melbourne
Exhibition continues to 12 July 2026
Free entry (bookings essential)
For more information, visit: www.acmi.net.au for details.
Image: Play School: Come and Play! ACMI, 2026 – photo by Eugene Hyland