Archibald Prize 2026 Children's Trail (free activity booklet) Little art lovers can explore the Archibald Prize 2026 at SAM with their very own Children’s Trail, packed with engaging activities that encourage kids to look closer and connect with the people and portraits of the Archibald Prize. Pick up a free copy of the Children’s Trail […]
Archibald in the Classroom: SAM Van Outreach Program | September – November The SAM Van Outreach Program, delivered by SAM museum professionals, brings our exhibitions to life beyond the gallery, providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences directly to schools and community spaces. From September to November, the SAM team will travel to schools with the SAM […]
SAM Spring Camp: Pawchibald Pet Paintings Create a prize-worthy portrait of your own furry friend! Inspired by the pets featured in this year’s Archibald Prize, this workshop allows kids to create their own artwork starring their beloved pet or animal of their choice. Beginning with a short tour of Archibald Prize 2026, kids will then […]
SAM Spring Camp: Archibald On The Road Inspired by the animal companions found throughout the Archibald Prize 2026 at SAM, this free drop-in workshop invites kids to create a playful portrait of a favourite pet or animal, with an assortment of art materials at their disposal. This is a free drop-in program—no registrations needed. All […]
SAM Spring Camp: Mirror Me Clay Self-Portraits This hands-on workshop invites kids to take a look in the mirror to create their own ceramic self-portrait, inspired by Camille Olsen-Ormandy’s vanity mirror-framed portrait in the Archibald Prize 2026. Beginning with a tour through the exhibition for inspiration, kids will head into the workshop to paint their […]
SAM Spring Camp: Paint Your Person Adults, take a seat — in this hands-on workshop, kids will step behind the easel to paint a portrait of their parents! Inspired by Loribelle Spirovski’s finger-painted portrait of Daniel Johns in the Archibald Prize 2026, kids and their accompanying adult will first tour the exhibition before heading into […]
SAM Club 2026: Term 4 SAM Club invites creative kids in Years 2–6 to explore and make art in this dynamic after-school workshop series! For the final term of 2026, SAM Club kids will begin with an Archibald Prize-inspired exploration of portraiture, led by artist Greg Beckenham, before discovering the possibilities of textile art with […]
SAM Toddlers 2026 | October Join us for creative playtime with SAM Toddlers! Little ones can enjoy a hands-on session of sensory play, exploring an array of art activities that encourage early creativity while stimulating different developmental areas. Toddlers can move across several activity stations, including: – Messy Arts Play: A space for little hands to […]
SAM Deep Dives: The Rise of Hollywood with Dr. Wendy Haslem Step into the golden age of Hollywood with Dr. Wendy Haslem (University of Melbourne) and enjoy an Archibald-inspired afternoon exploring cinema, celebrity culture and the making of an icon, followed by a classic film screening. Spotlighting Marilyn Monroe as a defining figure of the […]
Bar SAM | 16 October Date night, friends’ drinks, end-of-week debrief – Bar SAM is back just as we blossom into spring Friday 16 October from 5–8pm. We’ve teamed up with the Elsewhere at SAM crew to bring their delicious drinks, bar snacks, and amazing service to our rooftop terrace bar, so get a group […]
SAM Talks: Beyond the Portrait - Meet the Archibald Prize 2026 Finalists Join us for Beyond the Portrait: Meet the Archibald Finalists, a special two-day program bringing audiences face-to-face with four Victorian artists featured in the Archibald Prize 2026. Across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, artists Sean Layh, Natasha Bieniek, Juan Ford and Peter […]
SAM Presents: Portrait Painting with Carmel Robertson Discover the art of portrait painting in this hands-on workshop with local artist Carmel Robertson, inspired by the Archibald Prize 2026 at SAM. Whether you’re new to portraiture or looking to develop your painting skills, this workshop will guide you through the foundations of creating a realistic portrait […]
SAM Toddlers 2026 | December Join us for creative playtime with SAM Toddlers! Little ones can enjoy a hands-on session of sensory play, exploring an array of art activities that encourage early creativity while stimulating different developmental areas. Toddlers can move across several activity stations, including: – Messy Arts Play: A space for little hands to […]
