Activities for Families, Children and Students

Free activities for families and children

Your medieval portrait

Become a medieval knight or lady! Select a costume, then pose for your photo in front of our castle, and take your portrait home.
Time: 7 April–15 June, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia, State Library of Victoria
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free

Make a medieval crown or shield

For more medieval fun, younger children can borrow an activity box and follow simple instructions to make their own royal crown, lady’s veil or knight’s shield to take home.
Time: 7 April–15 June, 10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia, State Library of Victoria
Bookings: Not required
Cost: Free

March–April school holiday activities

Super-action storytelling!

Hear storyteller Bernard Caleo’s entertaining reading of the classic adventures of King Arthur and his knights in the morning, then return for a fun afternoon workshop where each child creates a digital picture-book! (For ages 5 to 12; children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Sun 30 March; Storytelling 10.30–11.30am, Workshop 12–2pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer, State Library of Victoria
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: Free

Knights, ladies and court jesters: Digital workshop

Calling all medieval knights, ladies and court jesters! Write a script and star in your own medieval movie, inspired by the exhibition, then take it home on DVD. (For ages 7 to 13; children must be accompanied by an adult.)
Time: Mon 31 March–Fri 4 April, 10.30am–4pm
Venue: Experimedia, State Library of Victoria
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $40 per child

Really old books!

Join this free guided tour to explore the State Library’s magnificent permanent exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas, which features rare and beautiful books from the Middle Ages to today. Following the tour, children can join in an optional half-hour workshop to make their own illustrated book.
Time: Mon 31 March–Fri 4 April, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer, State Library of Victoria
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; tel 03 8664 7279)
Cost: Free

School programs

School groups are welcome to visit The Medieval Imagination exhibition, but please note that bookings are absolutely essential. A free teacher resource kit is provided with each program.

Free teachers’ preview

Teachers are invited to enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition and receive a free teacher resource kit. The evening will conclude with refreshments. Book early, as places are limited.
(Wed 9 April, 5.30–7.30pm)

The Medieval Imagination exhibition tour

Students will view a demonstration of how illuminated manuscripts were made and discuss what they tell us about medieval life, then be guided through the exhibition.
(1 hour, $4 per student)

Medieval calligraphy workshop

Following a demonstration of manuscript production and a tour of the exhibition, students will make their own illuminated manuscript page to take home.
(2 hours, $8 per student)

Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or education@slv.vic.gov.au. For more information, see the full school programs brochure.