First Peoples

This major exhibition celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s Aboriginal people.

Meet members of the community aged 8 to 72, and hear them speak about their identity, community and culture in the Deep Listening Space. Enter the nest of Bunjil, the wedge-tailed eagle and ancestral spirit, and hear how he sang the Country, Law and people of the Kulin nation into being. Hear the 38 distinct languages of Victoria. Walk awhile with the Messenger, your virtual guide through the customs of Koorie people and how their lives changed after European settlement.

In Many Nations, more than 600 historic and contemporary artworks and objects made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are displayed. Each object's story helps to show the extraordinary diversity and sophistication of Australia's cultures.

First Peoples was co-curated by the Yulendj Group of Elders, community representatives from across Victoria, and Museum Victoria staff. Yulendj is a Kulin word for knowledge, which describes the deep cultural and historical knowledge that the Yulendj group brought to the exhibition. We thank them for generously sharing their stories and artworks.

Presented with thanks to the Yulgilbar Foundation and the John T Reid Charitable Trusts for their significant support.