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Exhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information
9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More informationExhibitions and Displays

10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information
9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More informationExhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
ne hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More informationFilms and Performances
6pm—8pm
Theatre
Make way for tomorrow (1937)
Directed by Leo McCarey. With Victor Moore, Beulah Bondi, Fay Bainter and Thomas Mitchell
More informationLearning Programs and Workshops

12 PM—1 PM
Ferguson Room
Is your street named after a soldier, artist, poet or politician? Who was the person who gave it their name? Discover the origins of Canberra's streets and suburbs and learn some basic research tips for using the Library's catalogue.
Book now More informationFilms and Performances

2:00PM—4:00PM
Theatre
Afternoon Delight Film Series
Celebrate the hectic glory of print journalism through the genre of the newspaper film. Enjoy your favourite stars through the inky haze of cigarette smoke, the clatter of typewriters and the rattle of whisky bottles. Gather in bookplate afterwards for a $6.50 Devonshire tea. Special offer for the Afternoon Delight series only.
While the City Sleeps (1956, 100 min, 16 mm, PG)
The new owner of a media company offers a high-ranking job to the first reporter to get the earliest scoop on a serial killer.
More information
Exhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
The National Library of Australia is currently hosting City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. City of Trees takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout.
More informationExhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More informationExhibitions and Displays

10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More information
9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More informationExhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More informationTalks, Seminars and Conferences
2:00PM—3:00PM
Conference Room
A talk by author and lawyer Pamela Burton. Followed by afternoon tea.
In association with the Australian Women's Archives Project
Book now More informationTalks, Seminars and Conferences
5:30PM—6:30PM
Conference Room
Dr Kent Fedorowich discusses the diary of former Prime Minister Sir Earle Page, documenting his 1941 - 1942 tour abroad at a critical juncture in Australia's wartime relations.
Book now More informationExhibitions and Displays

9:00am—5:00pm
Display area
Since the site for the national capital was chosen in 1908, Canberra has unfolded on the Molonglo River flood plain and become part of the landscape.
In 2012 the National Library set out to capture the transformation of some of Canberra’s key sites. These photographs are displayed here alongside historic images from the Library’s collection, and highlight the stark changes and surprising similarities of Canberra then, and Canberra now.
More information
10.30am—11:00am
Treasures Gallery
Enjoy a free, volunteer guided tour of the Treasures Gallery. Meet outside the gallery. The tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
Come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Early maps and atlases, books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, photographs and objects all feature in the Treasures Gallery. From James Cook’s Endeavour journal to William Bligh’s list of mutineers, from Patrick White’s glasses to an original manuscript for Waltzing Matilda, the items in the Treasures Gallery are truly remarkable.
A diverse selection from our international collections is showcased in NLA to Z, while a surprising and eclectic range of objects is featured in the dramatic gold showcase of ‘realia’. In the Central Foyer, visitors can also enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the Library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection.
Drawn from the Library’s vast collection, many of the treasures in this exhibition have never been displayed before. The Library will continue to regularly change the items on display, ensuring that visitors will always discover something new.
More information
10:00am—5:00pm
Exhibition Gallery
One hundred years ago, the founders of Canberra staked out the new capital by planting a million trees. This sapling urban forest spoke of their faith in the future of a city they would never live to see. Today, their legacy is the vast green cloak from which Canberra emerges—a growing city in a landscape.
In 2013 the National Library of Australia hosts City of Trees, UK artist Jyll Bradley’s multi-disciplinary project based on the simple premise that every tree in Canberra has a human story to tell. Over a series of artist residencies commissioned by the Centenary of Canberra, Bradley has created a major body of work, including sound, photography and drawings, for this solo exhibition. The exhibition takes the form of an immersive installation, with light—the basis for tree growth and the force that illuminates hidden stories—a constant agent throughout. The centrepiece of the exhibition are three specially designed ‘portals’, where visitors can listen to the stories and thoughts of the myriad of people in Canberra and the region for whom trees are a passion, profession or a way of life.
More information


