National Wool Museum hosts Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

GEELONG residents have the opportunity to take in a world-renowned photography exhibition as Wildlife Photographer of the Year is now on display at the city’s National Wool Museum.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for more than 50 years.

The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum London features exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

The competition first launched in 1965, attracting 361 entries, and has steadily grown to receive more than 50,000 entries from all over the world.

The award-winning images are on international tour that will allow them to be seen by more than a million people.

This year’s exhibition includes Australian photographer Caitlin Henderson and images that have used Australian flora, fauna and climate change as a catalyst for their storytelling.

The National History Museum also announced this week the shortlisted photographers for the People’s Choice Awards, recognising Australian photographers Ofer Levy and Charles Davis.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan urged residents to visit the National Wool Museum this Summer holiday season.

“Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an exhibition of international significance, showcasing one-hundred breathtaking images from around the world,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Geelong and the National Wool Museum are the only Victorian venue to see this world-class exhibition; I encourage residents to take the opportunity to witness it for themselves.”

Cr Melissa Cadwell, chair of the council’s creativity and culture portfolio, said she was confident of a strong turnout.

“Entries for this competition have come from 95 different countries across the world.

“It speaks to the significance of our museum that an exhibition that has been on display in London, Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, New Zealand and Singapore is coming to Geelong.”

National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher joined Cr Sullivan and Cr Cadwell in inviting residents to visit the museum.

“This exhibition is right up there with the best that we’ve had the pleasure of hosting at the National Wool Museum,” Mr Fisher said.

“Along with an exciting schedule of activities, tours and learning programs Wildlife Photographer of the Year features alongside the playful, immersive and interactive installation WaVE/WeaVE by the Slow Art Collective.

“Please come along and visit your Museum this Summer, there truly is something for everyone.”

The National Wool Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is on exhibition until May 19, 2024.

Tickets are available at the door and includes entry to all exhibition galleries.

For more information, head to nwm.vic.gov.au