Other past exhibitions
The independent type
24 April–25 October 2009
The independent type celebrated Victoria's rich and diverse written culture, from traditional Indigenous stories to the vibrant contemporary scene, highlighting the stories, voices and spirit of independence that made our literature unique.
Sport and war: An Australian War Memorial travelling exhibition
11 July–26 October 2008
This inspiring exhibition looked at the role of sport and war in shaping Australia's national identity, highlighting remarkable stories of courage and achievement on the nation's battlefields and sporting fields. Original posters and photographs were featured, along with a 'Brownlow' medal presented in Changi POW camp.
Famous: Karin Catt Portraits
13 July–11 November 2007
Famous presented striking celebrity portraits by high-profile Australian photographer Karin Catt, from hip-hop artist Eminem to the Dalai Lama, evoking the world of popular culture seen in the pages of Vogue and Rolling Stone.
How I entered there I cannot truly say
16 March–17 June 2007
This free exhibition celebrated the arts of printmaking and the book with a stunning display of limited-edition prints and innovative hand-made artist books.
Heroes & villains: Australian comics and their creators
20 October 2006–25 February 2007
Heroes & villains showcased the colourful history of Australian comics, from the 1940s to today, displaying rare comic books, original artwork and memorabilia from Captain Atom to Fatty Finn.
Naked democracy: Governing Victoria 1856–2006
2 June–1 October 2006
The 150th anniversary of self-government in Victoria was celebrated with exhibits including Fawkner's 1835 draft constitution, political cartoons, protest banners and Les Tanner's 1972 caricature of Henry Bolte in the form of a coffee mug!
Lost & found – Peter Lyssiotis & John Wolseley
18 November 2005–12 February 2006
Lost & found presented paintings, prints, drawings and artists' books created by Peter Lyssiotis and John Wolseley during their Creative Fellowships at the State Library, displayed alongside the rare books and pictures from the Library's collections that inspired the artists.
Eureka revisited: The contest of memories
5 August–30 October 2005
This travelling exhibition chronicled the historic Eureka rebellion on the Ballarat goldfields in 1854, exploring the many interpretations of the Eureka legend through a display of historic objects, modern artworks, photographs and memorabilia.
Gardenesque: A celebration of Australian gardening
7 October 2004–26 June 2005
Gardenesque looked at two centuries of gardening in Australia by showcasing unique items from the State Library's collections – from rare books and exquisite botanical prints to photographs and journals of early Australian gardeners.
The age of cartooning
2 July–19 September 2004
To celebrate the shared 150th anniversaries of the State Library and The Age, this exhibition displayed work by the paper's most celebrated cartoonists.
Australian modern: The architecture of Stephenson & Turner
12 March–6 June 2004
Using material drawn from the Library's collection, this exhibition examined the pivotal role the firm played in importing and developing architectural modernism in Australia.
Lewis Morley: Myself and eye
5 September–23 November 2003
An exhibition of portrait and reportage photographs by Lewis Morley, spanning four decades with a focus on 'swinging sixties' London and 1970s Australia.
Hothouse: The flower in contemporary art
6 June–24 August 2003
This unique exhibition drew together the work of some of Australia's leading contemporary artists who explored the myriad meanings associated with flowers.
