Presented by the State Library of Victoria and PHOTO 2024

Melbourne Out Loud

Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis

Rennie Ellis

  • Exhibition
  • Family Friendly
  • Free
Wheelchair AccessibleWheelchair Access
A woman poses holding onto her red fascinator-style hat with one hand and an unfurled fan in the other

Iconic encounters of the everyday, from the man who took Melbourne’s portrait.

If there was ever a photographer to take Melbourne’s portrait, it was Rennie Ellis.

Rennie had an uncanny ability to slip into all kinds of social circles and his photographs are the ultimate story of life on the town.​

He roamed our places: St Kilda Beach, the MCG, Swanston Street, Sidney Myer Music Bowl. He met superstars: Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones. He stood with crowds on the biggest days of the year: Melbourne Cup, the AFL Grand Final, the Boxing Day Test. He befriended people from all walks of life: athletes and celebrities, punks and protesters, beach goers and party lovers. And he captured it all on camera.

Melbourne Out Loud is a collection of iconic, unseen and everyday photographs from one of our greatest chroniclers. A celebration of going out, being seen and being yourself. Don't miss this special exhibition at State Library Victoria.