Colony: Australia 1770–1861

Colony: Australia 1770–1861 explores Australia’s complex colonial past, the art that emerged during this period and surveys the key settlements and development of life and culture in the colonies.

Importantly, the exhibition acknowledges the impact of colonisation on Indigenous communities. The exhibition presents a diverse range of works: from Indigenous cultural objects, early watercolours, prints, paintings, sculpture and photographs, to a selection of decorative arts objects, furniture, fashion and textiles. Many of these works have never been seen in Melbourne previously and date to the very earliest years of settlement.

Presented concurrently with Colony: Australia 1770–1861, Colony: Frontier Wars offers a parallel experience of the settlement of Australia.

More information can be found here.