Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima are in Canberra as part of a National Museum of Australia exhibition commemorating the 50th birthday of the much-loved Australian television program – Play School.

Australia's longest-running children's television program, Play School, has featured in the childhoods of generations of Australians and in honour of the show's special place in peoples' hearts, the National Museum will tomorrow open Happy Birthday Play School: Celebrating 50 years.

The exhibition features the iconic Rocket Clock, Flower Clock and the famous Play School Windows.

Play School stars Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima are joining the exhibition party, which provides adults a chance to reminisce about their favourite presenters and children an opportunity to get up close to these program icons.

“Play School holds a special place in the imaginations and memories of generations of Australians and we're delighted to partner with the ABC to help celebrate this milestone 50th birthday,” said National Museum director, Dr Mathew Trinca.

“This exhibition offers a window on the changing experience of Australian childhood and allows adults the chance to indulge in a little nostalgia, while children wonder at the magic that the program still delivers to them on a daily basis,” said National Museum senior curator, Sophie Jensen.

ABC KIDS' Play School's executive producer, Jan Stradling, says, “Play School is in the unique position of being viewed by three generations of Australians and their families. We're really excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary with the NMA and everyone who views the exhibition.”

The colourful exhibition explores the five decades of Play School by featuring toys, props and costumes from each period, alongside archival audio and video clips of past programs and presenters having fun.

Play School's official 50th birthday is 18 July 2016.

The exhibition will run at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra from 7 May until 24 July 2016.