Filter by
State Library of NSW

Dunera: Stories of Internment

When

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 8pm Fridays, 9am to 5pm Weekends, 10am to 5pm Thursday 22 August to Sunday 4 May 2025

See the extraordinary story of the Dunera told through moving artworks and objects created by the internees who lived through it.

In 1940, refugees from Nazi persecution who had fled to Britain were suddenly classified as enemy aliens, transported to Australia on the ship Dunera, and held in camps in Hay, Orange and Tatura.  

In their attempts to recreate traces of their former lives, internees ran a remarkable range of activities inside the camps, from art classes to university-style lectures and theatrical performances. As a result, they produced an extraordinary array of personal art and artefacts, from beautiful portraits and landscapes to pop-up paper models and even an unofficial camp currency. 

The State Library has spent many years compiling collections that piece together this little-known chapter in Australia history and now holds one of largest Dunera collections in the world. 

Drawn from this vast archive comes a new exhibition of almost 200 artworks along with diaries, sketchbooks and other items from inside the internment camps. 

Come face-to-face with the internees and follow their stories, from the harrowing journey to Australia on the infamous Dunera to the realities of camp life, and life beyond the barbed wire.

Contact event organiser

State Library of NSW

Advertisement

Other events at State Library of NSW

Peter Kingston

Peter Kingston

A tribute to the unique creative talent of Sydney artist Peter Kingston.
Tomorrow
Amaze Gallery

Amaze Gallery

An ever-changing display of remarkable items from the State Library’s collection.
Tomorrow
Shot

Shot

400 photographs, 200 photographers, 3 centuries.
Tomorrow
Sydney Morning Herald Photos1440

Sydney Morning Herald Photos1440

An intimate look at key events and moments captured through the lens of Sydney Morning Herald photographers.
Tomorrow
The Country Cries for Truth: Dr Bronwyn Bancroft

The Country Cries for Truth: Dr Bronwyn Bancroft

A powerful and personal exhibition exploring family, connection to Country and legacies of colonisation.
Tomorrow
Emma Quay workshop

Emma Quay workshop

Join us for stories to make you smile, with award-winning author and illustrator Emma Quay!
9 Oct 2024
Explore The Country Cries for Truth

Explore The Country Cries for Truth

Join a guided curator tour of The Country Cries for Truth, an exhibition celebrating the work of Dr Bronwyn Bancroft.
10 Oct 2024
Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day

Join us for a fun family day of art, craft and wandering around our beautiful building!
11 Oct 2024