Treasures Gallery

The Treasures Gallery highlights the extraordinary holdings of the National Library of Australia. From maps and rare books to manuscripts, photographs, paintings and ephemera, it is where you will find many of the Library’s most important, unexpected and unique items. Be intrigued, surprised, challenged and amazed by the stories our treasures tell about Australia’s history and culture.

Our displays change regularly so we always have exciting new stories to share, and new items will be on display in the gallery from Thursday, 6 April 2023.

The new exhibits include a display about Garigal man Bungaree and Murro-ore-dial woman Kaaroo, a rare oil painting by Ellis Rowan, James Cook’s journal from the Endeavour voyage, and a display about the reform of anti-gay laws in Australia. The Realia Wall has also been refreshed, with additions including photographer Harold Cazneaux’s first camera.

The Treasures Gallery is free and open every day, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

The Library warmly thanks our Treasures Gallery supporters. Their generosity has made it possible to bring these treasures to life for the whole community.