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.
Premiering at ACMI, Melbourne from 4 March – 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.
Young visitors can pretend to be a presenter, camera operator or director, look through the windows, hear stories beneath the rocket clock, singalong 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.
ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan said: "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. 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."
ABC Director Screen, Jen Collins said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate Play School’s 60th anniversary with this collaboration with ACMI. 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."
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks said: "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. 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."
Alongside the exhibition, ACMI and the ABC will present Play School’s Little Ted 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.
ACMI Shop will mark the 60th birthday with a range of exclusive Play School collectibles, including T-shirts for big kids and their little ones, tote bags, stickers and enamel pins.
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 July 18, 1966, it has kept young Australians entertained for six decades, through song, games, stories and silliness.
Play School: Come and Play! is presented by ACMI and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The exhibition is generously supported by Major Partner Blackmagic Design and Supporting Partner Haymes Paint.
Play School: Come and Play! runs 4 March – 12 July 2026 at ACMI. The exhibition is free, but bookings are required. Tickets will be available in February 2026. Visit acmi.net.au for further information.
Listings Information
Play School: Come and Play!
4 March – 12 July 2026
ACMI, Fed Square, Melbourne
Free, bookings required. Tickets available February 2026.
Visit acmi.net.au
ABOUT ACMI
ACMI is your museum of screen culture. Watch, play, make and discover the universe of screen-based art, films, TV and videogames. Visit us in Melbourne’s Fed Square, online and on tour. Our museum attracts millions of visitors through a vibrant offer of exhibitions, screenings, commissions and festivals. ACMI’s industry, education and creative incubator programs inspire and develop the next generation of screen creatives. We are a globally recognised hub that connects people, communities, technology and ideas to shape our futures. More at acmi.net.au.
ABOUT PLAY SCHOOL
Play School has been part of the rhythm of childhood in Australia for 60 years, and from the very beginning we’ve known play as the spark behind everything. Like Play School itself, ‘play’ is timeless. Then, now, and into the future Play School remains treasured by audiences because it creates a space for our youngest Australians to play and belong.
For further information, interviews and images, please contact
Stephanie Payne
Senior Publicist, ACMI
Stephanie.payne@acmi.net.au