The Sydney Mardi Gras Museum Debut Exhibition closes on Saturday, 02 March, 2013 following a very successful season. We would like to thank every person who contributed, volunteered and visited this exhibition.

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The outrageous fun and utter fabulousness, the costumes and controversy, the tears and triumphs of a glorious 35 years are spectacularly put on show in an exhibition that will entertain, engage and leave you proud. Drawing on a diverse array of archival material from public and private collections, the exhibition covers the key themes, events and wonderful personalities that have helped shape the festival into what it is today.

The exhibition begins with a short background of the gay rights movement and protests of the 1970s. While the main section explores the evolution of the Parade (from its origins as a show of international gay solidarity) and the Party as platforms for advocacy into the huge spectacles of now. Magic moments, profound memories, poignant reminders, friends and heroes cover the walls and fill the space.

While the exhibition is temporary, it will provide a taste of what is intended to become a permanent museum space recognising LGBTQI Sydney and our rich and colourful history.

Look out for our festival series LGBTQI Sydney, Nights at the Museum, with special guest speakers.

The Sydney Mardi Gras Museum opens to the press and community on 29 January. The Museum will open to the general public from 30 January onward.

Image Credits:

Michael O’Halloran wearing a costume by Ron Muncaster, winner of the 1984 best costume competition, Sydney Gay Mardi Gras Parade, 1984
Photograph by Jenny Templin
Reproduced with permission of Jenny Templin