Two icons from opposite sides of the globe—one a beloved figure in Australian childhoods, the other a powerhouse of contemporary global culture—will headline the National Museum of Australia’s blockbuster 2025 exhibition program.
Announcing its Winter and Summer shows, the Museum revealed two major exhibitions: a celebration of the much-loved Australian children’s TV character Mr Squiggle, and the Southern Hemisphere debut of Hallyu! The Korean Wave, a vibrant exploration of South Korea’s global cultural impact, developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington
📅 4 July – 13 October 2025
For the first time, fans of Mr Squiggle, the Man from the Moon, will get an up-close look at the imaginative world behind one of Australia’s most enduring children’s programs. Airing from 1959 to 1999 on the ABC, Mr Squiggle captured the hearts of generations with his upside-down drawings, pencil nose, and witty charm.
The free exhibition will bring to life a cast of iconic characters—Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel, and Gus the Snail—while showcasing the extraordinary creative legacy of their creator, Norman Hetherington. Drawn from the Museum’s 2024 acquisition of more than 800 objects, the display includes puppets, artwork, scripts, costumes, props and sets.
“Mr Squiggle is woven into the fabric of Australian childhood. This exhibition will let parents and grandparents relive their favourite moments and introduce the next generation to Norman Hetherington’s unique humour and magic,” said Museum Director Katherine McMahon.
Following its Canberra season, the Mr Squiggle exhibition will hit the road for a national tour.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave
📅 12 December 2025 – 10 May 2026
As summer begins, the Museum will dive into the world of K-pop, K-drama, K-fashion and more with Hallyu! The Korean Wave. This visually rich and high-energy exhibition tells the story of South Korea’s transformation into a cultural superpower, spotlighting the creative industries that have propelled Korean pop culture to global acclaim.
Developed by the V&A, the exhibition features 250 objects including costumes, props, and multimedia from major hits like Parasite, Squid Game, and viral sensation Gangnam Style.
Appearing exclusively in Australia and for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, Hallyu! will be paired with a lively program of Korean music, food, dance and film, offering visitors a fully immersive cultural experience.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for the Museum,” said Ms McMahon. “South Korea’s cultural wave is one of the most powerful global movements of our time, and we’re thrilled to bring this groundbreaking exhibition to Australian audiences.”
“Our galleries will transform into a celebration of Korean creativity—expect a full K-Museum takeover this summer!”
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National Museum of Australia's 2025 lineup: Mr Squiggle exhibition (Jul-Oct) & Hallyu! Korean Wave (Dec-May). 🎤 Features #KPop, #SquidGame props & Aussie TV nostalgia. 🏛️ FREE ENTRY for Mr Squiggle, immersive K-culture experience. #TheIndianSun @nma
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— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 16, 2025
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