Images of Nature

The Images of Nature gallery showcases the Museum's world-famous collection of natural history artworks. 

Prints, watercolours and paintings from eminent natural history artists feature in the collection. Alongside this historic body of work are modern images created by scientists, imaging specialists, photographers and micro-CT scanners.  

First Fleet's Diamond python; Morelia spilota.

First Fleet temporary exhibition

Drawings and paintings from the First Fleet collection and work from contemporary artist Daniel Boyd

Each year the Images of Nature gallery includes a temporary exhibition of themed artworks. This year we are showcasing our 18th-century Australian First Fleet collection of paintings and drawings from the establishment of the first British penal colony in Port Jackson (now Sydney), Australia.

These pictures are too delicate for permanent display so will change every 3 months, giving visitors the chance to see about 120 paintings over the year.

Artworks by contemporary Aboriginal Australian artist Daniel Boyd, made in response to the Museum’s Australian collections, will also feature in the gallery space for the year.

The first rotation of First Fleet paintings and contemporary artwork is on show in the gallery until the end of April 2012.

Note it is customary for some Aboriginal Australian communities not to mention names or reproduce images associated with the recently deceased. Members of these communities are respectfully advised that some images on display in the gallery depict deceased Aboriginal people.

Find out more about the First Fleet collection

See our artist-in-residence's contemporary response to the First Fleet collection

Interactive kiosks in the gallery

Enhance your visit at the 6 interactive kiosks including a virtual gallery where you can zoom in and examine more artworks in detail.

Test your observation and illustration skills in a fun interactive game at another kiosk or at the Draw It activity wall, where you can pick up a card and pencil.

Previous temporary exhibition

Missed last year's temporary exhibition of Chinese watercolours? Find highlights of the John Reeves collection of Chinese watercolours online and follow up the contemporary Shanghai artist's accompanying response.