Playful new exhibition inspires young minds to imagine a better planet

A free new interactive exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) invites children to step into a playful forest-inspired world where creativity meets environmental awareness.

Plans for the Planet: Olaf Breuning for Kids blends adventure, art, and activism, encouraging young visitors to explore the natural world and share their visions for a better future.

Designed like an imaginative playground, the exhibition draws inspiration from the energy of theme parks and outdoor play.

Children are invited to tackle environmental challenges – such as pollution, deforestation, and habitat loss – through engaging multimedia activities.

Using a special swipe card collected at the entrance, young participants unlock animations, design their own wildlife habitats, create quirky self-portraits, and type up their ideas to share their plans for the planet.

The exhibition is the work of Swiss-born, New York–based artist Olaf Breuning, whose whimsical and thought-provoking style has appeared in major art institutions worldwide, including MoMA, the Centre Pompidou, and the Palais de Tokyo.

Mr Breuning’s work previously featured in the NGV Triennial in 2017 and is part of the gallery’s permanent collection.

“I wish for children to take away refreshing thoughts with them, and be more motivated to make ‘plans for our planet’ – hopefully, good ones!” Mr Breuning said.

Throughout July and August, families are invited to take part in a variety of hands-on creative activities designed to spark imagination and curiosity about the natural world.

In July, children can complete drawings shaped like tufts of grass, discovering the tiny creatures that live on the forest floor.

They’ll also have the chance to decorate paper logs with woodland animals, fungi, and moss in August – bringing an entire miniature ecosystem to life.

An immersive animated installation gives forest animals a voice as they discuss pressing environmental challenges.

Young visitors are encouraged to respond with their own thoughtful ideas and practical solutions for improving their local communities.

At the Just a Person photo booth, kids can create playful digital self-portraits using a mix of images that represent their personalities, interests, and daily life in 2025.

Adding to the fun, a lively storytime series led by Melbourne-based storyteller Anna Manuel brings Olaf Breuning’s My Nature Book to life, engaging young audiences through interactive readings and nature-themed activities from August 15 to 25. 

This free exhibition is open to children of all ages and invites every young visitor to imagine, and plan, a better world.•