Holden exhibition opens in Canberra showcasing automaker's history

A free exhibition titled “Rear Vision: The Holden Collection” has opened at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra. Curated by the State Library of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, it traces Holden’s evolution from its 1856 saddlery origins, through horse‑drawn buggies and tram bodies, to a major automotive manufacturer that retired on 1 January 2021.

The display includes an original 1948 Holden 48‑215, a detailed LEGO model, the company’s first engine built in 1940 for aircraft, and a range of drawings, photographs and archival records. It also highlights Holden’s role supporting the Allies in World War II, the workers’ fight for equal pay, and the contributions of women and immigrants. The exhibition runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm until 11 October 2026.