Museum News

Peter Drew’s AUSSIES Poster Series Challenges Australian Identity at National Maritime Museum in Sydney

August 25, 2026 2 min read
Peter Drew’s AUSSIES Poster Series Challenges Australian Identity at National Maritime Museum in Sydney museum news image

Peter Drew’s “AUSSIES” poster exhibition opened at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on August 24, 2026. The series consists of large-scale images exploring Australian identity through portraits of everyday Australians, accompanied by concise text.

The exhibition features Drew’s well-known posters that challenge traditional national stereotypes. Each poster highlights a different individual with phrases that reflect diverse Australian experiences and viewpoints. This approach offers a visual and textual commentary on what it means to be Australian today.

The display is housed within the museum’s dedicated exhibition space, providing visitors access to Drew’s work in a setting devoted primarily to Australia’s maritime history. This marks a shift for the museum, which has previously concentrated on naval and seafaring themes.

Peter Drew developed the “AUSSIES” posters as part of a public art project that gained national attention for its direct but thoughtful messaging. Since their initial release, the posters have appeared in multiple galleries and public venues across the country. This Sydney showing represents the first time they have been included in the museum’s exhibitions.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is located at Darling Harbour and remains open daily. The “AUSSIES” poster exhibition runs through the end of 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with contemporary Australian culture through Drew’s iconic images and texts.

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Editorial article by Editor-in-Chief