Exhibitions

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See one of our superb exhibitions and displays in the Exhibition gallery located at the library, highlighting our collection. Find out about current and forthcoming exhibitions and how the travelling exhibition program provides access to the Library's collection around the country.

Moratorium on outward loans to Exhibitions
1 March 2008 – 30 June 2010

In 2009 the National Library of Australia will commence construction of a new Treasures Gallery and a redeveloped Exhibition Gallery. In order to finalise the development and building stages of this extensive project the National Library is commencing a moratorium on all new outgoing loan requests for exhibitions for the period 1 March 2008 - 30 June 2010. more…

Current Exhibitions

William Constable (1906-1989)The Ballets Russes in Australia 1936-1940
9 April - 27 September 2009
Visitor Centre, 4th floor and Lower Ground 1

http://www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/balletsrusses/

This special collection-in-focus features more than 100 items and concentrates on three themes: the artists who created the Ballets Russes and its experimental productions; the dancers who captivated Australian audiences; and the Australian artists whom they inspired. It also includes a tribute to Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev whose inaugural Ballets Russes (1909–1929) revolutionised ballet for the rest of the twentieth century. The exhibition also looks at the Ballets Russes artists who settled in Australia and established our earliest professional ballet companies. From photographs, paintings and drawings of dancers on stage and in rehearsal, to more personal mementos of life outside the spotlight, the display looks at the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, which dazzled Australia and Australians from the mid-1930s, bringing an exotic show of dance never before seen on these shores.

James Cook (1728–1779)Treasures Gallery 2010: A Preview
22 April 2009 - 19 July 2009
Exhibition Gallery

http://www.nla.gov.au/exhibitions/treasures_preview/

Many of the National Library’s greatest treasures and some of its recent acquisitions will be displayed in a special preview of the new, state-of-the-art Treasures Gallery, scheduled to open late next year. Treasures Gallery 2010: A Preview features over 80 of the Library’s prized pieces, many of which will take pride of place when the long-awaited Treasures Gallery opens. The items range from Captain James Cook’s journal of the Endeavour to Patrick White’s notebooks, from exquisite botanical paintings by Ellis Rowan to the only complete original convict uniform. Some of the pieces have rarely been displayed, such as the model by Jørn Utzon of the design of the Sydney Opera House and a print by Pablo Picasso. Other highlights of the exhibition will include the famous ‘Gallipoli letter’ written by war correspondent Keith (later Sir Keith) Murdoch, bushranger Ben Hall’s revolver, papers of Lindy Chamberlain and a graphic image by the official war photographer, Frank Hurley.

More current exhibitions and displays

Forthcoming Exhibitions

More Forthcoming Exhibitions

Travelling Exhibitions

Traveling ExhibitionsThe National Library of Australia has provided access to its diverse collection through an innovative Travelling Exhibition program since 1994. Since its inception nearly two million people have visited 14 touring exhibitions at 118 venues in every state and territory.

 

Treasures Gallery

Treasures GalleryIn early 2009 the National Library will begin construction of its Treasures Gallery and a new Exhibition Gallery. These state of the art display spaces will be the realisation of years of research, planning and fundraising.

 

Online Exhibitions

Online ExhibitionsThe Library has been producing online exhibitions and online publications since 1994. For online exhibitions and online publications. Visit Online Exhibitions

 

 

Past Exhibitions

Past ExhibitionsTake the plunge. Exhibitions List

 

 

 

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