Melbourne Museum - Interactive Summer Holidays Activation
Project Overview
For the summer school holidays, Melbourne Museum engaged Cardboard Mill to design and deliver a large-scale entrance feature for their kids activation, positioned in front of the Forest Gallery.
The brief called for a visually striking installation that encouraged participation, worked within museum operational constraints, and could be delivered efficiently within a live public environment.
The Concept
We designed three giant cardboard trees, each standing approximately four metres tall, to form a playful and immersive entry moment.
To avoid the trees feeling identical, the same branch components were arranged in different configurations for each structure. This approach created variation and character across the installation while keeping the overall design cohesive.
The trees were designed as a framework for participation, with visitors invited to fold origami pieces and add them throughout the summer holidays, allowing the installation to change gradually over time.
Design & Fabrication
The trees were designed and fabricated in components to make transport, handling, and on-site assembly practical.
Supporting elements were also designed and built in-house, including:
- Custom cardboard wraps for the Museum’s information screens to visually integrate them into the installation
- Custom table toppers to align existing furniture with the activation aesthetic
- A cardboard display shelf to hold origami paper and materials
Installation & Logistics
Installation took place during museum closed hours to ensure a smooth bump-in without disrupting visitors or staff.
Each tree was:
- Assembled on site from pre-fabricated components
- Mounted onto the Museum’s existing square trolleys to allow repositioning within the space
- Internally weighted at the base to provide stability once installed
A three-person Cardboard Mill team managed the full installation, including assembly, placement, and final adjustments.
Outcome
The finished installation created a strong visual entry point while supporting hands-on engagement throughout the school holiday period.
As visitors added origami pieces over time, the trees became a living record of participation, shifting daily and reflecting the collective involvement of the audience.
A temporary installation designed for impact, interaction, and practical delivery within a museum environment.