Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light — NGV International
Step inside an exhibition that quietly grows on you, one photograph at a time.
Women Photographers 1900–1975: A Legacy of Light at NGV International is the kind of exhibition that invites you to slow down. Despite covering seven decades and more than eighty photographers, it feels surprisingly intimate — thoughtful, beautifully curated and rich with personal stories. Every room offers space to pause, reflect and connect with works that explore identity, ambition, politics and everyday life.
Below you’ll find Angie’s personal review, exhibition highlights and a practical guide to help you plan the perfect visit.
Women Photographers Exhibition: Angie’s Review
By Angie Taylor
Today’s highlight was visiting the NGV St Kilda Rd. to see Women Photographers – Legacy of Light 1900–1975. The NGV is such a chilled space in our large & busy city of Melbourne. The exhibition of photographic works spans 7 decades, representing 80+ women photographers. It coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of International Women’s Year, offering a timely recognition of how far society has come, recording images of an evolving world through the lens.
The NGV has prioritised women photographers as part of its collection efforts in recent years, and more than half the works on display are new acquisitions — 170 collected since 2020, with over 130 being shown publicly for the first time. The NGV intentionally waited for this exhibition to create balance in their collection, enabled by generous bequests dedicated to these acquisitions. Many of the photographers are lesser-known but equally important in the story of women behind the lens.
I travelled to Melbourne on my free V/Line seniors pass (4 each year for regional & two each year for metro customers) and enjoyed being able to relax & read reviews of the exhibition before I saw it myself. I predicted this would be an exhibition I’d revisit with my daughter and grand-daughter, hoping that images would tell a thousand words — of women’s changing roles through the decades, of the suffrage movement, politics, the industrial age, activism & the feminist movement, and also the micro view of daily life, women in relationships & their role at the centre of family.
This exhibition exceeded my expectations. Give as much time as you can spare; my preconceived ideas of what to expect were rewarded with a rich collection of images… take your time.
First of all, close to half the visitors to the exhibition today were men. Kudos to you, guys! Why didn’t I think you’d enjoy this too? The photographic subjects are well represented with men but through the eyes of extraordinary women photographers, finding opportunities for careers in this art form once the camera arrived and became an affordable option for women to adopt, record daily life, earn income as photojournalists, fashion and portrait artists & communicate through the power of image.
Australian trailblazers & international icons of photography are represented and I was keen to see the well-publicised images which were a joy to see in their original form. As always, the NGV knows how to show off its works and the captions are worthy of your time to read. There is no need to hurry & seats are conveniently placed in several rooms if you’d like to sit.
The photographs in this post are my personal favourites. Get along between now and 3rd May 2026 and find the works that speak to you.
Exhibition Highlights
One of the joys of this exhibition is stumbling upon images you’ve never seen before — and rediscovering some famous ones in their original form. If you like heading in with a sense of what’s waiting for you, here are a few standout moments worth keeping an eye out for:
Dorothea Lange — Migrant Mother
One of the most significant documentary images of the 20th century. Its quiet power hits even harder when you see it printed and displayed with care.
Dora Maar — Portraits of Pablo Picasso
A fascinating meeting of two great creative minds, Maar’s portraits of Picasso highlight her precision and poetic eye for composition.
Olive Cotton — Teacup Ballet (1935)
Elegant, playful and full of movement — a standout Australian modernist photograph, beautifully presented within the exhibition’s exploration of light and shadow.
Lee Miller — Portrait of Man Ray & Other Works
Miller’s extraordinary career takes in fashion, Surrealism and war. Her portrait of Man Ray and other included works showcase her range and fearless approach.
Ilse Bing — Self-Portraits
Bing’s self-portraits reflect her mastery of the Leica camera and her interest in identity, modernity and the creative possibilities of photography.
Ponch Hawkes — Melbourne Documentary Photography
Warm, witty and grounded, Hawkes’ local documentary images — including photographs related to the Gay Liberation movement — give the exhibition a strong Australian centre of gravity.
Diane Arbus — Selected Portraits
Arbus’ unmistakable style captures people as they are, without pretence. Her inclusion strengthens the exhibition’s emphasis on challenging and expanding photographic norms.
Ruth Hollick — Early Melbourne Portraiture
Hollick’s refined studio portraits offer an intimate look into life in early 20th-century Melbourne. These works are drawn from NGV’s confirmed list of displayed labels.
Tips for Your Visit
1. Give yourself time — at least 90 minutes
There are more than 130 works exhibited publicly for the first time, and many reward slow looking. Angie’s advice is spot-on: this is not a show to rush.
2. Use the artwork labels on your phone
The NGV provides digital labels you can view on your device. If you prefer larger text or want to revisit the details afterwards, this is a great tool.
3. Consider a guided tour
Free daily tours run on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 1.30pm. They’re an excellent way to learn about the social and political context behind the works. (Note: tours are free with your exhibition ticket and no booking is required)
4. Seating is available inside the exhibition
Perfect if you like to take breaks — something our readers appreciate.
5. Visit on a Wednesday if you have a Seniors Card
Seniors receive a discounted ticket on Wednesdays, making it a budget-friendly day to visit.
Venue Information
The Women Photographers exhibition is held at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Open daily 10am–5pm
Exhibition dates: 28 November 2025 – 3 May 2026
Ticketed exhibition
- Adult: $25
- Concession: $22
- Child (5–15): $11Seniors Card: discount Wednesdays only
NGV Members: discounted or free depending on membership level
Getting There
Public Transport
Tram: Routes 1, 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 stop directly outside the NGV.
Train: The nearest station is Flinders Street, then a short walk over Princes Bridge.
Regional travellers: If you have the free annual V/Line seniors travel vouchers, this is the perfect opportunity to use one — just like Angie did.
Parking
Paid parking is available at the Arts Centre Melbourne or along St Kilda Road, though public transport is generally easier.
NGV Accessibility
NGV International is fully wheelchair accessible with lift access throughout.
Additional support includes:
- Wheelchairs available to borrow
- Quiet “Relaxed Sessions” designed for visitors who prefer a lower-sensory environment
- Accessible toilets on the ground floor
- Companion Card accepted
- The NGV also provides a detailed Exhibition Access Guide to help visitors prepare before arrival.
There is a cloak room available at NGV for small bags and coats.
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The Seniors in Melbourne team were hosted by NGV. All opinions are the writers’ own.
