MUSEUM OF SYDNEY

The 'it' is our harbour, which will be the subject for a new exhibition called Sydney Harbour. Featuring over 60 major works, Sydney Harbour, will open at the Museum of Sydney on 5 August, 2000.

Our harbour is an enchanted place, a place that the built metropolis can never really enclose. It defines our identity, our dreams and our rest, it uplifts us with spectacles of celebrations and its light inspires.

"Sydney harbour is very special and is impossible to characterise. With Sydney Harbour I have tried to encompass the beauty, diversity and richness and at the same time tried to show how we actually use our harbour using art, architecture, design, literature and film," said Curator, Dr. Peter Emmett.

The harbour, says Peter Emmett, is about water, wildness, the bridge, trade, activity, transport, immigration, military defence and is one of the most historic sights in Australia as it witnessed the clash of indigenous Australians with Europeans.

"Romantics and authorities love the harbour aesthetics of monumental platforms, marine villas, public ceremonies and aquatic entertainments. Some people who left in wartime did not return and some migrants did not arrive safely as George French Angas reminds us in his poignant quarantine burial grounds. Anyone who knows, loves and appreciates our harbour will, I hope, enjoy this exhibition," said Peter Emmett.

Some of the artists whose work will feature in Sydney Harbour will be John Olsen, Sidney Nolan, Henri Matisse, Lloyd Rees, David Moore, Olive Cotton, John Moore, Arthur Streeton, Brett Whiteley, Rick Leplastrier, Anne Zahalka, Michael Johnson and John Firth Smith.

Where:	Museum of Sydney on the site of first Government House Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney
Date:	5 August - 3 December 2000
Open:	Daily 9.30am - 5pm
Admission:	General $6.50 Concession $3.30 Family $16.40

For further information/images please contact: Susanne Briggs (02) 9692 8366

Sydney Harbour is the final exhibition in the Sydney series of exhibitions. Sydney Suburb is the current exhibition until 23 July and Sydney Metropolis was held earlier this year. Sydney Harbour is an official event of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival.

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