The Birds of Australia: John and Elizabeth Gould
Discover The Birds of Australia in this unique digital experience, presented on a 3D storytelling cube, inspired by the work of John and Elizabeth Gould.
-
Touring exhibition
On now until 27 July 2025
Discover the amazing world of Australia's birdlife in a new immersive and interactive exhibition. Featuring STORYBOX, an interactive storytelling cube, The Birds of Australia brings to life the iconic illustrations of John and Elizabeth Gould, along with First Nations storytelling and knowledges. After touring New South Wales, the popular installation is landing at the Museum in an expanded exhibition, with a range of art, specimens and objects related to our feathered friends.
Trace the journey of ornithologists John and Elizabeth Gould, as they travelled across 1800s New South Wales to compile what is widely-recognised as the first comprehensive, scientific documentation of our native bird species. They described and illustrated over 600 species, many of which were completely new to science. The Goulds did not do this alone, however; First Nations guides and knowledge played a vital role in the study. The exhibition explores the significance of birds from First Nations perspectives and their role in connecting to Country.
Learn about current habitat pressures facing many of the birds featured in Gould’s collection and what you can do to help in your local area. Use your mobile to scan the QR code and unlock First Nations stories, bird calls, in-depth profiles, interactive activities and more.
The Birds of Australia is a touring digital installation presented by the Australian Museum, which has travelled throughout public precincts in New South Wales, inviting communities to connect and reflect on the wonder and fragility of our unique bird life.
Exhibition highlights
Explore the STORYBOX, an interactive storytelling cube that brings the iconic bird illustrations of John and Elizabeth Gould to life. Learn about the current habitat pressures facing many of the birds featured in the collection and what you can do to help endangered birds in your local area. Scan the QR code on the cube to unlock First Nations stories, bird calls and in-depth profiles, interactive activities and more.
Discover the iconic illustrations of John and Elizabeth Gould in The Birds of Australia, which is widely-recognised as the first comprehensive, scientific documentation of our native bird species. Published in London in eight volumes from 1840 to 1848, they contain over hand-drawn 680 plates, lithographed and then individually coloured. With only 250 copies ever printed, this is an unmissable opportunity to see one of these rare books in real life.
Come face-to-face with a some of Australia’s most famous and fascinating feathered residents. This exhibition features a colourful range of bird specimens from the Australian Museum's collection and details the ingenious ways Australia’s birds have adapted to life down under.
About The Birds of Australia (1840-1848)
The Birds of Australia (1840-1848) was the first comprehensive survey of the birds of Australia, featuring a seven-volume collection of hand-coloured illustrations led by English ornithologist and publisher John Gould. Featuring descriptions of over 681 species, 328 of which were new to science, the Birds of Australia collection interwove art and science in equal measure to produce over 600 hand-coloured plates of Australian birds, today regarded as among the finest examples of bird illustrations ever published. Led by John Gould, the illustrations feature works by a number of artists including Gould’s wife Elizabeth Gould, Edward Lear, H.C. Richter, William Hart, and Joseph Wolf, created through a combination of drawing, watercolour and lithography.
- 7 June to 27 July 2025 – Australian Museum
Previous locations:
- Blue Mountains
- Port Macquarie
- Grafton
- Albury
- Batemans Bay
- Orange
- Tamworth
- Newcastle
The Birds of Australia STORYBOX is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative.
