Current Exhibitions

Pocket Money 17 May 2012 – Present: The relationship between children, money and banks is explored using artefacts from the Reserve Bank's archives. Among the items on display are money boxes dating from the early 20th century, including the only known example of the first series of the Commonwealth Bank money boxes, illustrated literature and comic books from the 1950s and 1960s that encouraged children's interest in saving, and a selection of rare posters and brochures.

Previous Exhibitions

Centenary Celebrations for $100 Man 2 January 2012 – 2 January 2013: In the centenary year of Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition, we highlight the first $100 banknote (issued in 1984) featuring the great explorer. During his Expedition, Mawson and his men undertook scientific research in unimaginably harsh conditions. Sir Douglas Mawson's inclusion on the $100 banknote is as much a tribute to his strength and determination as to his drive to understand more about the world around him. See this banknote and related reference material.

Hidden History of Banking 14 January 2010 – 17 February 2012: Although convicts are often portrayed as penniless, they usually arrived in New South Wales with sums of money. This display showcases original records of convicts deposits held by the Reserve Bank, and interprets the relationship between convicts and money through historical documents, paintings, literature, artefacts and film.

Reflections of Martin Place January 2010 – January 2011: Martin Place Sydney has been the setting for major national events during the 20th century. To mark its 50th anniversary, the Reserve Bank’s façade has been transformed into a gallery of photographs portraying historical events in Martin Place. The photographs have been selected from the Reserve Bank’s collection of some 15,000 images.

Planned for Progress July 2010 – April 2011: In January 1960, the Reserve Bank of Australia commenced operations as the nation's central bank with Dr H.C. Coombs as its first Governor. Plans were developed for the Bank's new headquarters in Martin Place Sydney, in which Coombs expressed his commitment to contemporary art and culture. Planned for Progress, held in the Banking Chamber as part of our 50th anniversary celebration, explored the building's architecture, sculpture, corporate emblem, furniture and paintings in relation to the ideas of innovation and progress.