Sydney Harbour Bridge at 85: the online exhibition!

Photo: nma.gov.au

A popular 1930 song called it 'the bridge of our dreams come true'. 'The Coathanger', as the bridge is affectionately known, plays an important role in both special occasions and everyday life for Sydneysiders. It's been the site for fireworks, marathons, stunts, protests and an Olympic torch run. It also has its share of romantic moments with an average of three couples per week getting engaged while they're on the Bridge Climb.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge represented Sydney's coming of age, from remote colonial outpost to a modern city with its own engineering wonder - the world's longest arch bridge in the world at the time. Even the Queen Mother referred to it as ‘a magnificent monument to [Australia’s] progress’.

The bridge provided employment to 1,400 people during the Great Depression, and has served a much greater purpose than its original function. It doesn't just connect Sydney north and south; it's an international icon that looms large in the consciousness of Australians.
Highlights include:

Footage of the construction and opening of the Harbour Bridge - including Major Francis de Groot slashing the ribbon with his sword, ahead of the official opening by Premier Jack Lang.

• 1930s songs about the bridge.
• A recording of the Queen Mother calling it 'One of the wonders of our time'.
• A 1984 tourism promo starring former bridge rigger Paul Hogan.
• Opening of BridgeClimb, 1998.
• Greg Norman carrying the Olympic torch, 2000.
• Behind-the-scenes photos of the post-apocalyptic bridge from Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdrome.