Time flies captures moments of Australia’s past through a series of historical photographs from the Parliament House Art Collections. From ballrooms to beaches, planes to pirouettes, and from Yarraville to Cootamundra, this display showcases Australian moments with a focus on movement.

Featuring the lithe, limber and lively, this display invites you to dive into Australia’s past. Consider how historical photographs can represent people, animals and environments in motion – connecting us with the Australian experience in times gone by.

Parliament House architects Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp intended to have historical photographs rotate throughout the building to showcase the variety and detail of Australians’ daily life.

The photographs included in this display were acquired from the Melbourne Museum and State Library of NSW.

Images: MC Hinder (photographer), State Library of NSW (publisher), Port Hacking, NSW, Parliament House Art Collections; Angus McNeil (photographer), State Library of NSW (publisher), Ballet Group for Kempsey Musical Society – Kempsey, NSW, c.1928, Parliament House Art Collections