Blog

Top tips for visiting Mr Squiggle and Friends

At last, Mr Squiggle and his friends have landed at the National Museum!

Our top tips will help you make the most of your visit to the exhibition.

Blackboard, Mr Squiggle and Rocket reunited and on display at the National Museum

The National Museum’s new Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition is an invitation to adults and children alike to tap into the playful soul within.

Tip 1: Nab a limited edition tote bag pack

Take your pencils and paints with you wherever you go!

These limited edition tote bags come in adult or child packs at a special offer price of $25.

Available for a limited time only when you book tickets online. Friends, log in to access your 10% discount.

Pick-up only: collect your tote bag order when you visit the exhibition.

Image of a black tote bag with a white Mr Squiggle illustration, a pack of colouring pencils and an activity book with a colour image of Mr Squiggle on the cover Black tote bag with white illustration of Mr Squiggle next to a magazine with a yellow and white illustration of Mr Squiggle on the cover

Child pack: cotton tote bag, Mr Squiggle activity book and 12 duo colour pencils. Total value $45.

Adult pack: cotton tote bag and ‘Play’ edition of the Museum magazine. Total value $40.

Tip 2: Avoid the queues

Entry to the exhibition is free, but bookings are essential.

Book in advance so you can arrive at the Museum and start your journey without queuing for a ticket.

Book tickets

Tip 3: Find your favourites

In the exhibition, close to 300 objects bring to life the wonderful world of Mr Squiggle creator Norman Hetherington, showcasing the whimsy and imagination of one of Australia’s most talented puppeteers.

Did you know?

While many of us are familiar with the quirky Mr Squiggle and his crew, Norman Hetherington created hundreds of other puppets over a career spanning more than 60 years. Perhaps you remember Nicky and Noodle, or Smiley and his visits to the dentist?

See if you can find these colourful characters when you visit.

Puppet in form of a green celery with a face, hands and legs. The celery plays a toy trumpet. - click to view larger image — Celery, about 1967

Puppet of a man in white dental coat and glasses standing beside a green dentist's chair. - click to view larger image — Dentist, about 1967

Puppet with a head resembling a lemon, with a smiling face, with an apple body, banana arms and various pieces of fruit representing legs. - click to view larger image — Fresh Fruit, about 1967

Puppets in form of a yellow toothbrush with a face, wearing a blue top hat, and bow tie, beside a small boy wearing a red and yellow striped top. - click to view larger image — Bristles and Smiley, about 1967

Puppet of a bright green frog with opened coin purse forming body and mouth. Two green circular spheres sit above the purse as eyes and four legs are attached to the bottom of the purse. - click to view larger image — Frog made from a Glomesh purse, 1978

Puppet in form of a form of a woman wearing a gown with full skirt and tight bodice. A small crown is atop her head. - click to view larger image — Her Haughtiness Queen Nag-a-lot, 1950s

Puppet in the form of a bright orange octopus with one arm raised above, holding a yellow top hat. The octopus has large eyes and a white moustache. - click to view larger image — Octopus, 1950s

Puppet in form of a smiling horse, with it's front right leg extended. Multiple strings are attached to the various parts of the puppet. - click to view larger image — Noggin, 1950s

A photo of two string puppets. Right is a puppet of a boy named Nicky, he has bright orange hair and is wearing a green short sleeve shirt, brown shorts and a red and yellow tie. On his legs are green socks and yellow clog-like shoes. Left is a wooden puppet of a dog called Noodle. Noodle has a black, brown and white painted body, felt ears and green felt soles attached to its feet. Noodle has green painted eyes and a red felt tongue. - click to view larger image — Nicky and Noodle, 1950s

Tip 4: Break out the crayons

Or your index finger! Our digital interactive lets you complete your own squiggle and project it onto the big screen.

Did you know?

During his stint as a wartime entertainer in the army, Norman Hetherington produced lightning sketches, creating speedy cartoons and artworks from a few random lines on a canvas.

Tip 5: Extend your visit

Find exhibition mementos, gifts and other treasures in the dedicated Mr Squiggle and Friends shop, just outside the exhibition.

Marvel at gems from the Museum’s toy collection in the new Play display in the Gandel Atrium.

Take a trip to the wild west in our breathtaking VR experience, The Great Kimberley Wilderness.

Let the kids burn off some energy in the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, for children of all abilities aged from birth to 6 years.

Follow it up with lunch or refreshments at the Squiggle-themed Moonbeam Cafe, then browse our award-winning shop for unique and beautiful jewellery, books, gifts and toys.

Shop online

Daily, free Play

Daily until 21 July, costs apply The Great Kimberley Wilderness VR

Daily, costs apply Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre

Cafe

Join Friends for discounts

Museum Friends receive a free copy of the magazine, as well as a 10% discount on limited edition merchandise and in the Museum shop.

Sneaky bonus tip!

For visitors with additional vision needs, our exhibition curator, Danielle Cassar, has chosen 20 key objects for our audio-described tour.

Hear audio description and exhibition labels directly on your mobile device while you enjoy the exhibition.

Listen now

We would love to hear your responses to the exhibition. Feel free to email curator@nma.gov.au with your thoughts and feedback.

Until 13 Oct 25, free Mr Squiggle and Friends

Top