An artistic survey of the Australian people from 1901 to the start of the new millennium, this century-wide overview is collected under the headings of 'From Gallipoli to Homebush Bay', 'Beginnings', 'The Land', 'Cities and Suburbs', 'Boom and Bust', 'Patriotic Duty', 'At Ease', 'Encounters' and 'Designing the Australian Experience'. Selections include both classic and less-known works, and works which caused scandal or controversy of some kind when first shown. They are primarily drawn from the national collection, with specially selected works from other Australian galleries and museums.