Society, Art & Culture
Through the Library's significant collections, these stories trace the development of a unique Australian culture that has produced internationally reknowned photographers and architects, distinguished authors, playwrights, visual artists and dancers.
Passion for sport is a well known attribute of Australian society and is celebrated with stories of the early days of cricket in the Colony and Australia's love affair with horse racing.
Photography
Photographs represent tangible and direct links with the past. Each image is an intriguing record of technological, social and artistic change.
French in Australia
The history of the French in Australia dates from the arrival of the La Perouse expedition at Botany Bay in January 1788, just days after the landing of the First Fleet, and French people have been living in Australia almost ever since.
A Day at the Races
The first horses arrived in Australia in January 1788 when, along with the First Fleet's convict cargo, a stallion, four mares, a colt and a filly were landed at Port Jackson.
Cricket in Australia
Australians love cricket but as with all sports, competing against ourselves is just the beginning. Being selected to play for your country is the ultimate goal.
Architecture
From our early Colonial influences to a uniquely contemporary style, Australian architecture expresses a strong sense of place.
Harry Seidler collection
Any shortlist of great Australian architects would be incomplete without one name: Harry Seidler. Born in Vienna in 1923, he arrived in Australia at the age of 25 and began his architectural practice, becoming famous for his modernist designs.
