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LOVING: Photographs of Men in Love

Two men holding a sign that reads 'NOT MARRIED BUT WILLING TO BE.'
Archival image of two military men embracing in a pose looking at camera
An archival photograph of two working men with an arm around the neck of the other
Archival image of two men sitting on a sign of a crescent moon looking at camera
Two men holding a sign that reads 'NOT MARRIED BUT WILLING TO BE.'
Archival image of two military men embracing in a pose looking at camera
An archival photograph of two working men with an arm around the neck of the other
Archival image of two men sitting on a sign of a crescent moon looking at camera

Overview

LOVING: Photographs of Men in Love reveals a hidden history of affection, courage and connection between men from the 1850s to 1950s.

When collectors Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell discovered an old photograph of two men in love at an antique store in Texas, it sparked a decades-long search across the world. Guided by what they describe as "the unmistakable look" of love, they found more than 4,000 images in flea markets, family albums and private collections.

These photographs, once kept secret, capture moments of tenderness that defied convention. They document love expressed in quiet gestures, shared glances and intimate poses at a time when such relationships were rarely acknowledged.

Presented for the first time in Australia, this exhibition at Canberra Museum + Gallery brings together a selection of these remarkable images. LOVING celebrates the universality of love and the enduring human desire to be seen and remembered.

Co-presented with the Delegation of the European Union in Australia.

Dates

6 Dec 2025 – 5 Apr 2026
December 2025
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January 2026
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April 2026
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Map of the venue locationMap of the venue location
Canberra Museum + Gallery176 London Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaGet Directions
  • Cafe
  • Family Friendly
  • Non Smoking
  • Parents Room
  • Pop Up Wine Bar
  • Public Toilet
  • Shop / Gift Shop
  • Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia)
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
  • Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person.

Contacts

02 6207 3968
[email protected]
cmag.com.au

When

Next on 6 Dec 2025 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Where

Canberra Museum + Gallery, 176 London Circuit, Canberra

Price

Free

Accessibility

Actively welcomes people with access needs.