Exhibitions

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

Ella and Faulkner Mackay looking at photograph album
Cherished Family Mementos from the Collection
Dates
The Keepsake exhibition examines why mementos and everyday objects often hold the key to family history and ultimately shape who and how we identify ourselves. Showcasing cherished family moments from the State Library’s collection.
Ilford Orloff Awards Exhibition 2024
Pro Photography WA
Dates
Photography exhibition revealing the finalists in the second annual Ilford Orloff Awards. Named after one of WA’s pioneering photographers, Izzy Orloff, the Awards celebrate the best in contemporary professional photography across the State.
May Holman ca 1917
Dates
The WA Women’s Hall of Fame recognises more than 300 women for their inspiring work and achievements. This exhibition spotlights inductees whose legacy lives on through the Roll of Honour and in the State Library’s collection.
Mechanical fitter apprentice Alex Remkes with production technicians Sammy Petrucco and Jo Anne Secker working at the BHP Billiton port facility in Port Hedland 2017
Dates
Suited, booted and ready for anything. A collection of photographs charting the way women have used their wardrobes to stamp their identity working inside or outside of the home.
On the Way to Nanas cover artwork spread
Dates
Climb into the four-wheel-drive and embark on a 1000km road trip through Western Australia’s spectacular Kimberley landscape. Visit the Story Place Gallery on the Mezzanine Level for our latest kids’ exhibition.
Sam Lovell in his 4WD prepared for driving the Kimberley Safari inaugural trip
Dates
An in-depth look at Kimberley icon Sam Lovell’s trailblazing contribution to WA’s cultural tourism industry. Discover Sam’s life as a drover, road builder, storyteller, tour guide and country musician.

Online Exhibitions

STUFF exhibition promotion image 1 - Checking maps JS Battye Library of West Australian History and State Archives 1969
History, Home, Family, Love, Identity … and why we collect it
Behind every collection or pile of Stuff! is a collector moved by the secrets or human stories accompanying each object. In Stuff!, we asked State Library staff to select items from our collection that resonated with them. The result is a personal and surprising scrapbook of WA history.
Laurel Nannup exhibition - First Contact maquette
What Road Are You Going To Take?
Step inside and take a virtual tour of the Laurel Nannup: What Road Are You Going To Take? exhibition. The exhibition brought together major printmaking works from celebrated artist Laurel Nannup, traversing her early life through 'child eyes' as a member of the Stolen Generation.
Camel carrying sandlewood with handler Goldfields1900
Online Exhibition
Discover the forgotten history of cameleers in Western Australia. Between 1870 and 1920, around 20,000 camels and 4,000 men travelled to Australia to help explore and develop the country's arid interior. Often referred to as "Afghan Cameleers", they came from incredibly diverse nationalities,. Despite their important role, they were subjected to discrimination and hostility.