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This delightful exhibition takes us on a journey through Norman Hetherington’s remarkable career.

From his early years as a cartoonist, war artist and performer, to creating the much-loved children’s television program, Mr Squiggle and Friends, Norman brought passion and fun to everything he did.

A vivid imagination and the desire to experiment were essential to his creations, but most importantly, Norman’s puppets had to be fun – fun to make, fun to use and fun to watch.

Fun is the driving theme behind this exhibition. Watch episodes of Mr Squiggle, become a puppeteer and put on a show, and get creative with your very own squiggle on our digital interactive.

 Museum case displaying three puppets, from left, a blackboard with feet and a face, a man with a pencil for a nose and a bright yellow frock and a rocket with three fins and a small viewing hole in the nose cone. 
Blackboard, Mr Squiggle and Rocket reunited and on display at the National Museum

Acknowledgements

The National Museum expresses its deep thanks to the Hetherington family for their generosity, time and commitment to sharing Norman Hetherington’s legacy with all Australians.

Logos of National Museum of Australia, ABC Kids, ABC Radio Canberra and Minter Ellison.

     Media partners Legal partner

Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington is on show in Canberra from 4 July to 13 October 2025.

Read the media release

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