Filter by
State Library of NSW

Paper Universe: The book as art

Where
State Library of NSW
State Library of NSW
Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Exhibition Galleries
When

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 8pm Fridays, 9am to 5pm Weekends, 10am to 5pm Tuesday 12 August 2025 to Sunday 3 May

Paper Universe: The book as art showcases close to 100 rarely seen works from the State Library’s remarkable collection of artists’ books.

Featuring striking and innovative creations by leading artists including Ed Ruscha, Judy Watson, Bill Henson, Nathalie Gautier-Hartog and more, the exhibition reveals how artists transform the idea of a book into works of art. 

Ranging in size from just 5 centimetres to an astonishing 40 metres, and made from a range of materials and techniques, these works reveal intimate, moving and powerful stories beyond the written word.

Contact event organiser

State Library of NSW

Advertisement

Other events at State Library of NSW

The Library That Made Me

The Library That Made Me

A free, outdoor display, showcasing library stories from across NSW.
Today 12am to 12.59am
Sydney music's hidden histories

Sydney music's hidden histories

How can we imagine the future of the Sydney music scene by delving into the hidden histories of its past?
Today 6pm to 7pm
Mervyn Bishop: Close Up

Mervyn Bishop: Close Up

A rare glimpse behind the lens of one of Australia’s most important photographers.
Today 9am to 8pm
The Australian Dream?

The Australian Dream?

Tim Ross casts his eye across the State Library’s archive to explore ideas of home and the Australian dream of home ownership.
Today 9am to 8pm
The Curious World of Pamela Allen

The Curious World of Pamela Allen

Step into the whimsical world of beloved author and illustrator Pamela Allen.
Today 9am to 8pm
The Paintings Gallery

The Paintings Gallery

More than 300 original artworks of landscape and portrait paintings on permanent display at the State Library of NSW.
Today 9am to 8pm
An Afternoon with Dame Quentin Bryce

An Afternoon with Dame Quentin Bryce

Join us for afternoon with Dame Quentin Bryce & Juliet Rieden in conversation with Caroline Baum
12 Mar 2026