The exhibition, The Touch of Another, is the second-most visited installation in the WAG’s history, eclipsed only by 2012’s Invasion collection of sci-fi memorabilia.

Piccinini’s lifelike pieces blend science, nature and humanity and have been embraced by a broad section of the community, according to WAG director John Cunningham.

“It’s something you can’t help but talk about,” he said.

“The response from the public has been greater than we could ever imagine.

“The exhibition speaks about concerns we have today and addresses them in an incredibly brilliant way. It delights and challenges.

“As an individual exhibition, it’s broken all number records.

“We’ve had students of all ages visit us to see it, from kinder through to university, and they have all been fascinated.”

Mr Cunningham said that during his recent visit to Melbourne, the exhibition had been a talking point.

“Everyone I talk to has referred to how lucky we are to have this here.

“She is regarded as Australia’s most famous artist internationally and for her to exhibit her work with us is a huge thing for the gallery and its audience.”

The Touch of Another will run until Thursday. Entry is free.