Stories revealed through never-before-seen photographs – a century of courage and enduring love on display in Melbourne.
Melbourne – LOVING: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s-1950s is now on display at the City Library Gallery in Melbourne from 16 January to 22 February. As a collaboration between the EU and the City of Melbourne and as part of Australia’s premier LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival, Midsumma Festival, LOVING presents a collection of photographs documenting a century of same-sex love across continents, cultures, and classes.
First exhibited in Geneva, LOVING was brought to Melbourne by the EU as a reflection of the shared commitment of the EU and Australia to human rights. At its heart, the exhibition affirms a shared belief: that freedom to love is fundamental to human dignity.
LOVING brings long-hidden stories into the light through hundreds of rare and intimate photographs dating from the 1850s to the 1950s. Captured at a time when same-sex relationships were often criminalised or socially condemned, the images reveal moments of tenderness, connection, and quiet defiance. Together, they form a striking counter-narrative to the repression of their era.
The exhibition also invites reflection on the broader struggle for equality and freedom, drawing connections between histories in Europe and Australia, from Nazi camp prisoners who wore a pink triangle to the courage of Australia’s Sydney 78ers who marched for their rights. These stories underscore the resilience and bravery that paved the way to today’s freedom.
Through LOVING, the EU and Australia reaffirm their shared commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. By preserving and presenting these histories, both acknowledge the importance of remembering the past to inform a more inclusive future.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, said:
“LOVING is a universal message, as love knows no boundaries or borders. These photographs capture moments of tenderness between men that could not be shown publicly, yet their message is loud and clear: happiness and love are possible, even in times of silence and fear. And with this exhibition, we honour their courage.”
Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, said:
“These moving images illuminate a powerful side of the human spirit, the capacity for love. They provide a glimpse into the lives of men who are in love, when such relationships were forbidden - stories of love, identity and courage. I encourage everyone to please come and see this exhibition, especially young people. LOVING gives the viewer the chance to reflect on the nature of love, and for many to see themselves and know that they belong. The City of Melbourne is proud to partner with the European Union to present this extraordinary exhibition."
Event Details
LOVING: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s – 1950s
City Library Gallery
253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
16 January – 22 February 2026
Admission is free
Contact details:
Media Inquiries:
Victoria Kelly-Clark – EU Delegation to Australia
Ph: 0429 024 887
For Exhibition inquiries:
Will Box – City of Melbourne
[email protected]
Ph: 0481 099 439
