Landmarks | National Museum of Australia

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Location: National Museum of Australia

Come on a journey that spans the history of modern Australia.

Defining moments of a nation

From the encounters between this continent’s First Nations peoples and those on board the Endeavour, through to Covid-19 and Climate Strikes, Landmarks explores the moments and objects that help define the Australian nation.

It’s a rich and complex story that is still evolving – and is one that includes us all.

Exhibition highlights

A silver-gilt chased cup with gold leaf, consisting of a base, cup and lid. The cup is decorated with silver foliage designs and two silver horse heads on either side. A central shield is inscribed with the words ''MELBOURNE / CUP / 1866 / WON BY / MR JOHN TAIT'S / BLK. H. The Barb / 3 years'. Two cherubs are attached to the ornate handles at the top of neck, and an angel holding a wreath sits on the top of the lid. - click to view larger image — Melbourne Cup, 1866

A particoloured black and yellow buttoned-up woollen jacket with a high collar. - click to view larger image — Convict work jacket, late 1850s

A pair of white fabric gloves. - click to view larger image — Faith Bandler's gloves, about 1955

Front view of a silk damask dress. - click to view larger image — Gold silk damask dress, 1844

An open face pocket watch with an attached gold chain and key. - click to view larger image — William Wills’s pocket watch, 1859

A hand painted car bonnet. The Car bonnet is painted in blue, red, white, yellow and orange. Black text shares COVID-19 messaging in Arrernte language. - click to view larger image — Car bonnet from Lytentye Apurte, 2020, painted by Emma Hayes

A ship‘s wheel from the fishing and refugee vessel Hong Hai.The bulk of the object is weathered, with the exception of the spoke grips and the head of the spindle that holds the wheel. - click to view larger image — Ship’s wheel from the *Hong Hai*, 1969

The front and back of a medal awarded to Vince Kelly. The front has an image of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an inscription that reads: 'From L. Ennis. O.B.E. Director of Construction'. The inscription on the back reads: 'To Vincent R. Kelly. To mark his preservation from serious injury on falling into the harbour. A distance of 182 feet. 23rd. Oct. 1930.' - click to view larger image — Medal presented to Vincent Kelly, 1930

Red number plate which reads “223 RALLYE MONTE-CARLO — Monte Carlo Rally number plate, 1932

Two rows of theatre seating. Five plain wooden chairs in front of a row of three cushioned armchairs. - click to view larger image — Ray-Mond Theatre seats, 1940-65

A mannequin dressed in a Latvian costume. The mannequin is wearing a red skirt, cream coloured, embroidered waistcoat, white linen shirt and felt cap. - click to view larger image — Latvian national costume, 1945

White singlet on a mannequin torso. The singlet has diagonal green and gold strips across the chest and the Australian coat of arms on the left breast. - click to view larger image — Shirley Strickland’s Olympic athletic singlet, 1956

A photograph of the sunshine stripper harvester. - click to view larger image — Sunshine stripper harvester, 1911

A headdress with a American fighter plane, circa World War 2 as the feature. The headpiece is painted with white stars against a red and blue striped background. On top of the headpiece is a painted wooden model of an American plane. The plane is painted green with star and stripe markings in blue, red, and white, and the nose features a propeller and a face design with an open mouth showing sharp teeth. - click to view larger image — Headdress, 2004, made by Mafili Nona

A model of a ship in a wood and glass case, the ship has five raised sails, water wheels on either side, painted in black and brown with details in blue and red, held on four gold coloured stands, and a gold plaque at one end. Th case is in good condition and has an engraved panel with the text: — Scale model of steam yacht *Lucinda*, 1884

A long-barrelled gun with a wooden stock and brass furnishings. - click to view larger image — Pattern musket, 1842

Convict Tokens

Ned Kelly’s Jerilderie letter

Oscar's sketchbook

Sunshine Harvester Works

Defining Moments: Eureka Stockade 5:50

The story of gold miners who rebelled against the Victorian Government

Defining Moments: Women’s suffrage 5:44

South Australia was the first electorate in the world to give equal political rights to both men and women

Postwar immigration drive

Eight-hour day

Gold rushes

Indigenous referendum

Convict cargo – settlement at Sydney Cove

Don Bradman's baggy green

Read our blog post about the champion cricketer's cap, on show in Landmarks.

Springfield–Faithfull family collection

Phar Lap collection

Holden Prototype No. 1

Trevor Kennedy Collection

Gertrud Bodenwieser dance collection

Event Landmarks quiet hours 4pm–6pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Free, no booking required

Explore our refreshed Landmarks gallery in a session with reduced lighting and sound, for visitors who prefer a quieter experience.

Banner image: Holden Prototype No. 1, 1946. National Museum of Australia

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