Pigments of the Past: For Kids!
Ever wondered how ancient people coloured their world before the invention of modern paints? Find out in this creative workshop for ages 7–13.
Time & Location
03 Oct 2026, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hellenic Museum, 280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Event Details
Ever wondered how ancient people coloured their world before the invention of modern oil, watercolour or acrylic paints?
In this hands-on school holiday workshop, young Argonauts will discover the history behind how the ancient Greeks ground, mixed and distilled paints and dyes from a variety of natural materials like saffron, lapis lazuli, and sandstone. They'll encounter painted artefacts in the Hellenic Museum's collections, then have the chance to touch, smell and observe ancient pigment ingredients. Then, it's time for the real fun – mixing their own ancient egg tempera paints, just like the ones used to create murals in Mycenaean Greece, ancient Egypt, Babylonia, and China!
Details & Inclusions
90-minute session, including a brief museum tour and hands-on painting workshop.
Recommended for young explorers aged 7–13 years.
Tickets include all materials and guidance, plus Hellenic Museum general admission on the day.
Each ticket includes entry for one accompanying adult. Children must be accompanied at all times.
Paint and pigments can be messy! Aprons will be provided, but we recommend dressing in adventure-ready clothing.
IMPORTANT: Allergen Notice
During the course of this workshop, children may handle the following potential allergens under staff supervision:
Raw eggs, including eggshells, whites and yolks
Dried rose and other dried flower petals
Charcoal
Whole or ground spices such as saffron and turmeric
Assorted authentic pigments including malachite, vermilion, lapis lazuli, Naples yellow, terre verte and natural indigo
If you have questions or concerns about allergens, please contact the Hellenic Museum before booking your tickets.
Other Available Sessions
This is the booking page for the 11AM Saturday 3 October session.
Click here to view the 11AM Saturday 26 September session.
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Tickets
Child Workshop Admission
Includes entry for one accompanying parent or guardian. Children must be accompanied at all times.
$25.00
+$0.63 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00