Year of photography
We’re celebrating photography in Australia
Discover why the State Library is the home of photography in Sydney.
We’re celebrating photography in Australia and around the world with a year of extraordinary exhibitions, fascinating photographer talks and slide nights and behind-the-scenes tours.
Shot online
Explore a visual feast of 400 captivating moments by 200 photographers across three centuries.
Events
Discover Shot
Wednesday 24 April
5.30 - 6 pm
Immerse yourself in Australia’s past as seen through the lens of photographers. Join a curator-led tour of our photography exhibition.
Discover Shot
Wednesday 15 May
2 - 2.30 pm
Immerse yourself in Australia’s past as seen through the lens of photographers. Join a curator-led tour of our photography exhibition.
Slide night
Wednesday 22 May
5.30 - 6.30 pm
Celebrate Sydney through the decades at this slide night and talk by Nathan Mete, whose popular Instagram account is now a book.
Special event
Saturday 25 May
2 - 3 pm
Discover the stories behind the 2024 World Press Photo Exhibition in a special event with Jury Chair for Europe, Anastasia Taylor-Lind.
Stories
Action!
by Mark Dapin
Placing the filmmakers who work in war zones on the other side of the camera.
400 photographs
by Geoff Barker
A curator looks at the Library’s extraordinary image collection with fresh eyes.
Photographic evolution
by Steve Dow
A new Photography Gallery is the latest step in turning the Library inside out.
William Yang and Sydney
by Dr Sally Gray
The landmark 1977 exhibition Sydneyphiles was a snapshot of the city.
Library Shop
Own fine art prints of your favourite photographs from the Library’s extensive collection.