When visiting Art Galleries with the kids it is rare to find one where they can put their hands all over the artwork. Enter Melbourne’s Met Art World, the biggest metal art gallery in Australia where the children can literally touch everything across every single exhibit. You need to add this to your things to do in Melbourne with kids!
Met Art Gallery boasts a diverse collection of art installations, sculptures, and multimedia exhibits that are certain to cater to the interests of your kids. From kinetic sculptures that respond to touch with mesmerizing movements to colourful installations that beckon children to explore every nook and cranny, the Met Art Gallery offers an unparalleled adventure in the world of art.
Met Art World in Melbourne
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Look and Touch – An Immersive Experience
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Met Art Gallery is its emphasis on allowing children to touch and interact with the artwork. It was refreshing to witness the kids naturally engaging with the exhibits without the need for constant reminders to keep their hands off. Here, young ones are actively encouraged to explore, discover, and connect with the art on display.
When you’re allowed to touch and interact, the art magically comes alive. It’s not just still and boring; it becomes real and thrilling, sparking your imagination and making you feel excited. Your senses come alive with wonder and joy!
We visited with a 6-year-old, an 8-year-old and a 14-year-old and rather than racing through the exhibits, we lingered at many – tripling the time we spent at the gallery as they were fully engaged.
The Metal Art Exhibit
Prepare to be amazed as you step into a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Featuring an extensive collection of over 200 metal sculptures, this exhibition showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of talented artists who have breathed life into discarded metal parts. There are literally sculptures made from spark plugs … metal washers … and more!
Each sculpture in this collection is a testament to the power of imagination and resourcefulness. From charming metal tankard mugs that exude rustic charm to larger-than-life dinosaurs that transport you back to the age of giants, and awe-inspiring superhero sculptures that embody strength and heroism, the range of artworks on display is as diverse as it is captivating.
What makes these sculptures even more remarkable is the process behind their creation. Every piece has been meticulously handmade using recycled metal parts sourced from various industrial items. From old pressure gauges to discarded car engines, these artists have turned what some might consider scrap into magnificent works of art.
As you wander through the exhibition, you’ll find yourself drawn to the intricate details and artistry in each sculpture. The fusion of artistic vision and the rawness of metal gives these creations a unique allure that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking.
The Fantasy Starry Sky Exhibition
It was not that long ago that we visited teamLab in Tokyo and fell in love with the idea of immersive digital art. Of course, the Met Art Gallery’s Fantasy Starry Sky Exhibition is a whole lot smaller than teamLab but it provides a taster if you are heading to Japan anytime soon.
Spanning an expansive 400 square meters, the exhibition boasts a diverse array of over 12 themed exhibits, each offering its own perfect charm. Whether you find yourself strolling through a lush, green field, gazing at the vastness of the galaxy, or exploring the universe at your own pace, the themed spaces allow you to freely roam through the wonders of the cosmos.
The very first themed exhibit is a mirrored maze that reminds me of the one at Sydney’s Luna Park however I must admit that I banged into the mirrors a few times much to the kids delight. If you are like me and your spatial awareness isn’t that great, grab one of the small foam noodles before you enter so it hits the mirror before your face!
We quite enjoyed the 360° immersive experience tunnel, where reality melds with the fantastical, leaving you with a profound sense of awe and discovery (or nausea if you are susceptible to motion sickness).
One of the most beautiful spaces was the space where you find yourself beneath a bright and romantic 5D starry sky. Here you could easily you’ll lose yourself in its beauty, longing to stay forever amidst the celestial splendour (although the kids are likely to nudge you on if you linger too long!).
Kids Creative Workshop
The Met Art Gallery workshop cites a free Kids Creative Workshop every day (three times available). I had high hopes for this activity and was disappointed. Our workshop was a whipped cream fridge magnet activity that involved the host putting the whipped cream glue on the magnets and the kids choosing 3 charms to then press on with their bare hands.
Our youngest child ended up with green glue all over his clothes, and the other two did the activity in 5 seconds. We decided to leave the items on a table and leave it to fate whether they were still there when we finished The Fantasy Starry Sky Exhibition as we couldn’t imagine getting through the maze while balancing wet magnets.
When purchasing your ticket, ask what workshop is being offered and scope out whether it is appropriate for your kids.
Spoiler: the plates of magnets had disappeared by the time we came out of the exhibit.
Visiting the Met Art Gallery
The Met Art Gallery in Melbourne has successfully redefined the conventional boundaries of art appreciation by embracing the innate curiosity of children. It has become a place where learning, fun, and creativity converge, opening up a world of artistic exploration like no other.
So, whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family looking for a unique outing, or a curious traveller, make sure to include the Met Art Gallery in your Melbourne itinerary for an unforgettable, immersive experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left its doors.
Location: 155 Boundary Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Australia MAP
Opening Hours: Daily 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (sessions sold in 2 hour blocks)
Tickets: The website encourages visitors to buy sessions online, however we walked up and purchased on the day.
Website: Head to www.metartworld.com.au for full details
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