Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History - An Antarctic Evening
Description
Join the Mawson’s Huts Foundation at the Australian National Maritime Museum on Thursday 15 October 2026, Frank Hurley’s birthday, for a special fundraising evening celebrating the extraordinary life, work and Antarctic legacy of one of Australia’s most remarkable photographers and filmmakers.
Frank Hurley’s images helped shape the way generations have seen Antarctica. From Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–14 to Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition and his later return south with the British, Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE), Hurley documented an extraordinary era of Antarctic exploration.
Guests will have the opportunity to join Stirling Smith, Curator of Navy at the Australian National Maritime Museum, for an exclusive 30-minute curator-led tour of selected collection highlights, featuring unique stories and insights into Australia’s maritime, naval and Antarctic heritage.
At the heart of the evening will be a special screening of the acclaimed documentary Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History (2004), introduced by director Simon Nasht and followed by a Q&A.
Guests can also explore a special display of Hurley’s BANZARE photography, offering another perspective on his remarkable Antarctic career.
Enjoy complimentary drinks and canapés on arrival before the screening, and hear directly from Simon Nasht about Hurley’s life, the making of the documentary and the man behind some of the most enduring images in Antarctic history.
The evening will also feature an Antarctic auction offering exceptional Antarctic experiences, artwork and collectables.
Auction highlights include a berth on an Antarctic voyage with Aurora Expeditions and the exclusive No. 1 print of an original watercolour by David Hopkins, depicting Hurley photographing the sinking of Shackleton’s Endurance.
Proceeds from the evening will support the Mawson’s Huts Foundation and its work to conserve the historic Mawson’s Huts at Cape Denison and preserve Australia’s Antarctic heritage for future generations.
Your evening includes:
Exclusive 30-minute curator-led collection tour with Stirling Smith, Curator of Navy at the Australian National Maritime Museum
Drinks and canapés on arrival
Screening of Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History
Introduction by director Simon Nasht, followed by a Q&A
Special display of Frank Hurley’s BANZARE photography
Silent and online auctions featuring Antarctic experiences and collectables
The opportunity to support the conservation of Mawson’s Huts
Thursday 15 October 2026
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney
Tickets: $77 + booking fees per person
Join us on Frank Hurley’s birthday for a unique evening celebrating the photographer, filmmaker and adventurer who gave the world some of its most unforgettable images of Antarctica.
Meet Simon Nasht
Simon Nasht | Director, Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History
With more than 30 years’ experience as a journalist, filmmaker, writer, teacher, entrepreneur, mentor and advocate, Simon Nasht has built a career around telling compelling human stories through words, vision and sound. His work has taken him across more than 50 countries, giving him the opportunity to meet and document people from all walks of life and bring their stories to wider audiences. Simon is the director of the acclaimed documentary Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History, which explores the extraordinary life and legacy of one of Australia’s most influential photographers and filmmakers. At this special Antarctic evening, Simon will introduce the film and take part in a Q&A following the screening, sharing insights into Hurley’s remarkable career, the making of the documentary and the enduring power of his images.
FAQs
- Is parking available?
Yes. Guests attending the event can have their parking ticket validated by the Australian National Maritime Museum for a reduced rate of $15.00 when parking at Wilson Harbourside Parking Station, 100 Murray Street, Pyrmont. Please bring your parking ticket with you to the event for validation.
- What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 6:00 pm. Guests can enjoy drinks, canapés and the Frank Hurley display before the film screening begins. Your ticket includes drinks and canapés on arrival, the screening of Frank Hurley: The Man Who Made History, an introduction by director Simon Nasht, the Q&A, access to the BANZARE photography display, and the evening’s auctions.
- How can I view the online auction?
The online auction will go live two weeks before the event via GalaBid and will also be available through the Mawson’s Huts Foundation website.
Guests will be able to browse auction items and place bids online ahead of the event.
- Is seating allocated for the screening?
No. Seating for the film screening is unallocated and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The broader event is primarily standing.
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