Mr Squiggle has landed in Newcastle, with Newcastle Museum unveiling two new free exhibitions celebrating one of Australia’s most beloved children’s television characters and the enduring art of puppetry.
The centrepiece exhibition, Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington, marks the first stop on a national tour from the National Museum of Australia.
It celebrates the remarkable legacy of Norman Hetherington, the creator of the iconic pencil-nosed puppet who inspired generations of Australian children to embrace drawing, imagination and creativity.
Visitors can step behind the scenes to discover the handcrafted puppets, colourful stage props and wartime artworks that shaped Hetherington’s career as an artist, performer, cartoonist and puppeteer.
Alongside nostalgic favourites including Blackboard, Rocket, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, the exhibition also features an interactive drawing experience where visitors can transform their own squiggles into works of art.
Running alongside the exhibition is Murray Raine’s Marvellous Marionettes, showcasing around 20 marionettes donated to Newcastle Museum by Newcastle-born puppeteer Murray Raine.
The two exhibitions highlight the close connection between Raine and Hetherington, who became lifelong friends and collaborators after Hetherington mentored the emerging performer.
Together, the displays celebrate creativity, storytelling and the playful spirit that defined both men’s work, while encouraging visitors of all ages to explore their own imaginations.
Newcastle Museum will also host a series of hands-on Mr Squiggle-inspired workshops throughout the July school holidays.
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington and Murray Raine’s Marvellous Marionettes are on display at Newcastle Museum from now until Sunday, 1 November 2026. Entry is free, with school holiday workshops also available. For more information, visit newcastlemuseum.com.au.
