Top Designs 2026: Shaping the future, one design at a time
Melbourne Museum and VCAA celebrate Victoria’s best design students
Top Designs returns to Melbourne Museum in 2026 with a powerful showcase of student-led innovation.
Featuring work by Victoria’s emerging designers, the exhibition highlights projects that respond directly to the challenges shaping contemporary life. From safer cycling in busy city streets to adaptive fashion that supports young people living with chronic conditions, Top Designs 2026 explores themes of accessibility, independence, sustainability, automation and social connection.
Developed in partnership with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), the exhibition presents selected works from high-achieving students across government, independent and Catholic schools. Chosen by expert panels from nine VCE and VCE VET design and technology subjects, each project reflects a distinct approach to problem-solving, underpinned by research, experimentation and technical skill. With items that improve safety and independence in urban environments and concepts that prioritise environmentally responsible materials and processes each project demonstrates how thoughtful design can reduce barriers, support wellbeing and contribute to a more sustainable future.
‘Top Designs puts the spotlight on the creativity, skill and hard work of talented young Victorians across design and technology. I encourage everyone to visit Melbourne Museum and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students,’ said Ben Carroll, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education.
‘What’s so exciting about Top Designs is seeing how thoughtfully students respond to the world around them. These projects show young people using design to improve safety, support wellbeing and make everyday life more accessible for others. It’s a powerful example of learning that’s practical, creative and deeply connected to community.’ said Lynley Crosswell, Museums Victoria CEO & Director.
‘Top Designs provides an exciting opportunity to showcase and celebrate the creativity and skills of some of Victoria’s best design students. The program also allows young innovators and leaders to pursue their passions to shape the future. We are incredibly proud of their work and look forward to sharing it with all Victorians,’ said Andrew Smith, VCAA CEO.
The exhibition is generously supported by Learning Partner, Swinburne University of Technology as part of a new three-year learning partnership with Museums Victoria which will deliver a suite of flagship exhibitions, festivals and education programs. Throughout the partnership, Swinburne will collaborate with Museums Victoria to bring to life programs that engage students in STEM principles and design thinking.
Professor Blair Kuys, Executive Dean of Swinburne’s School of Design and Architecture said, ‘good design underpins so much of our day to day lives, and the way we think, feel and interact with the world around us. A love of design can start early – and curiosity about our world can lead to innovative solutions to complex challenges. I hope this exhibition will capture the hearts and imaginations of our next generation of designers.’
Complementing the exhibition is a program of talks, forums and learning sessions led by industry professionals, delivered both online and in person. These events provide valuable insight and inspiration for current VCE and VCE VET design and technology students who are considering future pathways in design and innovation.
Top Designs 2026 is proudly presented as part of the VCAA’s VCE Season of Excellence: an annual showcase celebrating creative and innovative work from Victorian secondary schools, which includes Top Talks, Top Screen, Top Arts, Top Class and Top Scribe.
For further information and to purchase tickets online visit the Melbourne Museum website here.
Top Designs 2026
Open: Saturday, 11 April 2026
Closes: Sunday, 26 July 2026
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton
Tickets: On sale at Melbourne Museum and online
Tickets included with Melbourne Museum entry. School booking costs apply – School visit information - Melbourne Museum (museumsvictoria.com.au)
