Autumn School Holidays at the MCA

This autumn, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is the ultimate spot for creative family adventures during the school holidays. Whether your kiddos are budding Picassos or just love a splash of colour, there's something to ignite everyone's imagination—and the best part? It's FREE for families of all ages!

Autumn School Holidays at the MCA

MCA's dedicated family space is where creative pursuits and family fun collide. From blockbuster exhibitions (FREE for kids under 18!) to creative art-making and more, there's no reason to be bored these school holidays!  

Family Space: Drawn Together

Get ready to spark creativity at MCA's blockbuster exhibition, Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory. Families can explore Mehretu's breathtaking works (free entry for children and youth aged 17 and under), dive into her world of large-scale layering and paper-based artistry, and experiment with a variety of materials, from canvas and crayons to collage, with all supplies provided to help you unleash your inner artist.

Drawn Together is a free, drop-in activity space open to all ages and runs every weekend until 27 April. Experiment with drawing materials and play with Julie Mehretu's practice of large-scale layering and works on paper. All materials are provided with your choice of surface and medium, including canvas, crayons and collage.

School Holidays: Shaping Up

Also inspired by themes of art and architecture in the Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory exhibition, Shaping Up invites families with children aged 5–12 into the Creative studios to build and decorate works made out of cardboard, contributing to a collective cityscape. It's the perfect opportunity to combine imagination, art, and the bustling urban environment into a fun and engaging school holiday activity.

Shaping Up runs from Thursday 23 to Saturday 26 April 2025, 10 am – 4 pm. It is free, no booking required.

You can also head to Level 2 for Drop-in drawing: Julie Mehretu, set to a soundtrack. Put pen to paper and experiment freely with coloured markers. On various dates until 27 April, 10 am – 4.30 pm

Access Social: Families

Designed for Autistic children and their families, Access Social: Families encourages you to get creative with art-making activities and experience sensory-friendly artworks in The Intelligence of Painting exhibition. Enjoy fun art-making at your own pace in a dedicated, quieter space, led by MCA artist educators trained in disability confidence. Drop in during two sessions between 10.30 am – 12 pm and 1.30 – 3.30 pm on Saturday 19 April.

It's free however bookings are recommended, as sessions are capped at 30 people for a quieter experience. Exhibition entry is included.

Complete Your Visit

With an array of inspired artful gifts for young people, don't forget to drop into the MCA Store to find a treasure trove of quality toys, books, and more for budding creatives. Enjoy the new MCA Cafe at Tallawoladah, located on the Ground Floor with scenic views of Sydney Harbour.

MCA Australia's family school holiday programs are kindly supported by The Balnaves Foundation.

Where:    Museum of Contemporary Art, 140 George St, The Rocks
When:     14 - 27 April 2025 | 10 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
Cost:       FREE*

*Excludes exhibition entry to Julie Mehretu (free for under-18s and members).

For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.

More Autumn Events in Sydney

Pixar Putt is Back These School Holidays
Don't Miss Jurassic Zoo at the Australian Reptile Park
School Holiday Fun at the Australian National Maritime Museum

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