Looking for something a little different to do with the kids these school holidays? This spring, Charlestown Square is getting a very special makeover, with a giant garden filled with quirky characters, oversized details and plenty of photo opportunities.

From now until 11 October, BLOOM will transform the Centre into a large-scale immersive artwork created by acclaimed 3D artist Melissa Mathieson, aka MelissaLikesSushi.

Expect whimsical characters, giant leaves, playful garden details and plenty of surprises to discover as you make your way through the installation.

And the best part? It’s completely free.

A little bit of magic, right here in the Hunter

BLOOM has only previously been exhibited only once before, in Melbourne, so it’s a pretty exciting opportunity to see the artwork right here in the Hunter.

Designed to be explored at your own pace, with lots of little details to spot along the way, BLOOM will spark little imaginations and offers plenty of opportunities for those all-important holiday snaps.

With BLOOM running throughout the September school holidays, it’s easy to fit into a day at Charlestown Square. Grab lunch, do some shopping, let the kids explore the installation and make a day of it.

Take a piece of BLOOM home

There’s also some very cute BLOOM merch available during the school holidays.

From 28 September until the 9 October, spend $100 in Centre in a single day and you’ll receive an exclusive BLOOM keyring. Spend $200 and you can take home a BLOOM frog plushie, inspired by one of the characters in the installation.

There are very limited quantities available each day, so you’ll need to be quick! The offer is available weekdays from 11am only during the school holidays and is subject to availability.

Part of something bigger

BLOOM is part of a new partnership between Charlestown Square and New Annual, the City of Newcastle’s flagship arts festival, which runs from 25 September to 4 October.

The festival celebrates creativity across the city, and BLOOM brings a taste of that program right into Charlestown Square, making it easy for Hunter families to experience something a little different during the school holidays.

With free entry, plenty to explore and some very cute BLOOM merch up for grabs, it’s a fun addition to a day at Charlestown Square.

So, pop it in the calendar, bring the kids along and get ready to step into a giant garden of colour this spring.