Looking Back 50 Years in the Past.
In 1975, the world stood at a crossroads.
Fifty years on, 1975: Living in the Seventies invites audiences to step back into a year of upheaval, creativity and transformation. For many, 1975 captured the tensions, hopes and contradictions of an era still shaping the world we live in today.
Drawn from the National Library’s collections, this exhibition explores what it meant to live in the seventies at a time when politics and culture were being radically reimagined.
A Year of Transition
1975 marked the midpoint of a turbulent decade. Across the globe, the longrunning Vietnam War finally came to an end, while new conflicts and revolutions unfolded in Africa and Asia. Governments faced rising energy prices, unemployment and economic uncertainty, testing political systems and social resilience.
At the same time, culture was in motion. Music, art, fashion, literature and film challenged conventions and reshaped how people saw themselves and the world around them. The women’s liberation movement gained momentum, confronting deeply held assumptions and driving lasting change in public life.
In Australia, the Whitlam Government pursued ambitious social reforms while navigating intense political pressure . In the end culminating in its dismissal on 11 November 1975, a defining moment in the nation’s history.
1975: Living in the Seventies brings these global and local stories together, revealing how the personal and the political were deeply intertwined.
Inside the Exhibition
Through photographs, publications, artworks and archival material, the exhibition captures the textures of seventies life.
Highlights include:
- Moments from Australian media and entertainment
- Powerful images of political leadership, protest and activism
- Cultural exchanges across Australia and the AsiaPacific
- Everyday objects that tell larger stories
Content Notice
1975 was a tumultuous year in world history. This exhibition includes references to war, political controversy, crime and social upheaval. Some material may be sensitive or distressing.
Every reasonable effort has been made to contact stakeholders connected to items on display. Where this has not been possible, stakeholders are invited to contact the exhibition team at [email protected].
Event Info
14 August 2025 – 9 March 2026
National Library of Australia, Exhibition Gallery & Online
Free | 9:00am – 5:00pm
For Further Information, Plan your visit here.
