Roy and Matilda's Tiny Door

Do you know where this is? You are totally forgiven if you’ve visited the Queensland Art Gallery on many an occasion and not spotted this beautifully hand-crafted, teensie timber doorway.

Being only a few inches high and set in the skirting board at floor level, it’s so easy to overlook it as you take in all the wonderful art pieces on display around you.

But kids of all ages, including big kids, will delight when they discover the unassuming home of Roy and Matilda (who’s initials are carved above their front door), and their children – Millicent, Algernon and Myfanwy – who have been residing within a wall of the art gallery since a visit back in 2016.

Located within the Australian Art Collection (we won’t tell you exactly where as this will spoil your quest to locate it), the wee installation was inspired by and in conjunction with the delightful children’s storybook Roy & Matilda, The Mysterious Music, by author Susan Venn.

The story goes that the family of mice are very careful and mindful never to be seen in the gallery during the day, instead preferring to come out at night as they set off on new adventures to explore the gallery and gaze upon the wondrous sculptures and paintings.

As the pages of the story turn, you are swept up into their journey and astounded at how they magically even manage to make it into some of their favourite works of art.

Nice to know – The storybook can be purchased online through the QAGOMA Store website and – coupled with a visit to the gallery – is a great way to introduce young children to the mind-opening world and wonders of fine art.

Nice to know – If you’re ever visiting the National Gallery of Victoria or Art Galleries of New South Wales, be sure to read the story books that encompass what Roy and Matilda love to do at night in those galleries, too.

By Danella Perrins