Art & History of Australia

While exploring the art and history of Australia, you will come across some amazing attractions like, ANZAC Square, Port Arthur, Museum of Contemporary Art and Museum and National Gallery of Australia. The country has a rich historical past, with aboriginals playing a major role. From failed settlements to successful living, Australia has seen it all. The art of this country has also been influenced with the tastes and likes of Australian settlers.

History of Australia:

Australia did not attract invaders in the beginning, due to its arid land and living conditions. Explorers from countries like Portugal, Holland and Spain visited Australia in 1500 to 1600 AD. Although they arrived with the intension to settle, they failed to do so. Captain James Cook of Great Britain visited Australia in 1770 and chose a fertile area to reside. He called it New South Wales.

With time came a big change in the history of Australia. The year 1788, saw more than 1000 people with their families, shift from the British prison. They settled and changed the unfertile Australian land into a successful colony. Australian aboriginals claimed their independence in the year 1890.

Top Historical attractions in Australia:

Well-known historical attractions in Australia, which has witnessed a lot over the years, are given below:

• ANZAC War Memorial
• ANZAC Square
• Port Arthur
• Carole Frazer’s Walks and Talks
• Hobart Historic locations
• Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre
• The Shearers’Strike Camp
• Australian Workers’Heritage Museum
• The Wanpa-rda Matilda Outback Education Centre
• Chater’s Towers
• The Masonic Lodge
• Beta Farm Slab Hut
• St Peter’s Church
• The Venus Gold Battery
• Boer War Memorial Rotunda
• Old Court House
• Childers
• Soldiers Room Memorial
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Art of Australia:

Australian art such as Landscape, Modernist, Colonial, Aboriginal art, Contemporary art and Atelier are some among its most celebrated art works. Aboriginal and modern day art forms in Australia are achieves with a social connection. European artists described Australian art as “natural-history art”, as these mainly depicted the flora and fauna of the nation. Australian based artists like, S.T. Gill, Contrad Martens, William Piguenit and Walter Withers have made a name for themselves.

Top art museums in Australia:

Australian art is famous worldwide. The art galleries of this country are a major attraction to tourists. People get to know about the culture and likes of this nation, which takes pride in its aboriginal history. Some of the well-known art museums in Australia are:

• National Gallery of Australia
• Orange Regional Gallery
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Art Gallery of South Australia
• Logan Art Gallery
• Samstag Museum of Art at the University of South Australia
• Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts
• Art Museum of Hamilton
• Monash University Gallery
• Benalla Art Gallery
• National Gallery of Victoria
• Western Australian Museum
• Museum Victoria
• The Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne
• Logan Art Gallery

The art & history of Australia tickles your inquisitiveness first, and then showers you with interesting details. During your tour around the country, you can explore a lot more about the historical past and check out some of the best art works by world famous artists of Australia.

Last updated on 11/11/2010