If you’re after a dose of local history with a splash of art and nostalgia, Souter’s Bondi is an exhibition you won’t want to miss. Running from 10 May to 29 June, 2025 at the Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery, this free exhibition celebrates a unique part of Bondi’s story — and it’s perfect for families to explore together.
Souter’s Bondi brings four iconic murals by artist D. H. Souter back to the beach where they belong. Originally created between 1920 and 1934, these beautifully detailed artworks once hung inside Australia’s first Surf Life Saving Club clubhouse right here in Bondi. Full of classic Art Deco charm, Souter’s murals capture carefree days by the sea, complete with frolicking mermaids, seagulls, and heroic surf lifesavers.
The exhibition celebrates Souter’s role in defining early 20th-century Bondi culture and beach life. More than just pretty pictures, these murals helped shape the image of the Aussie surf lifesaver and the Anzac spirit, as beach-going exploded in popularity after old restrictions on surf bathing were lifted.
But this isn’t just about looking back. New artworks by contemporary Australian artists — including Billy Bain, Lillian O’Neill, Maz Dixon, and Gerwyn Davies — reimagine Souter’s themes for a modern audience. Together, they explore ideas of local identity, leisure, gender, and mythology, giving a fresh and thoughtful take on Bondi’s past and present.
Plan Your Visit
🖼️ When: 10 May – 29 June, 2025
🖼️ Where: Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery
🖼️ Cost: Free
Perfect for a weekend outing with the kids, a catch-up with friends, or a solo wander, Souter’s Bondi is a wonderful chance to connect with local culture while enjoying the vibrant creative scene at Bondi Pavilion.
Find out more at bondipavilion.com.au.
