Blockbuster Summer Art Exhibition- Takashi Murakami

Kids get to see that cartoon characters, monster drawings and the art in a centuries-old scroll belong to the same story. For kids who draw in the margins of every notebook, that’s a real lesson about where their own ideas could go.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Dated entry ticket to Takashi Murakami: When the Mountain Is High, the Moon Rises Higher
• Entry any time during gallery opening hours on your chosen date
• Access to the retrospective in the Ainsworth Family Gallery (150+ works)
• Access to the world-premiere new works in the Nelson Packer Tank
• Free exhibition entry for children under 12 (ticket collected on the day)

📍 Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, Sydney NSW, Australia

1. When is the exhibition on: 5 December 2026 to 18 July 2027, at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney only.
2. Does my under-12 need a ticket? Yes. Entry is free, but children still need a ticket, which you collect at the exhibition entrance or information desk
3. How long should we allow? About an hour for the exhibition. Add extra time for the rest of the Gallery, which is free to enter.
4. Is it suitable for little kids? The colour and characters appeal to all ages, but some works may be confronting for young children. [CONFIRM content advisory and any family route]
5. Will my kids recognise anything? Probably. Murakami has made work featuring Doraemon, a special UNO deck, and merchandise with BLACKPINK and Billie Eilish. His smiling flowers appear on clothing and toys worldwide.
6. What’s the Tank? It’s an underground gallery space beneath Naala Badu. Murakami is premiering new work there, made for this exhibition
7. What is “Superflat”? Superflat is Murakami’s name for his flat, bright, graphic style. It mixes anime, manga and commercial imagery with traditional Japanese painting.
8. Is there a kids’ activity or trail for this exhibition? The Gallery runs regular kids’ programs and school holiday activities.
9. Are there baby change facilities?
10. Is there a quiet space if my child gets overwhelmed? The Gallery has offered a chill zone in Naala Badu and a children’s art library in Naala Nura.
11. Is the exhibition pram and wheelchair accessible?
12. Is there somewhere to eat? There’s dining on site, including MOD Dining in Naala Badu.
13. Can I feed my baby on site?
14. Is it loud or crowded? It includes video and digital works, and blockbuster shows are often busiest on weekends and in school holidays.
15. Do I need to book a time? No. Tickets are dated, and you can enter any time during opening hours on your chosen day.
16. Can we see the MCA show on the same day? Yes. An Art Pass covers both exhibitions, and the MCA show is free for under-18s.
17. What’s the parking and transport situation?
18. Why see this instead of other gallery shows? It’s Murakami’s first exhibition in Australia, it’s only in Sydney, and it’s one of the few major art shows built on imagery kids already know.