A Place Called Hollywood

A Place Called Hollywood remembers a time and place where resilient and resourceful people created their own homes and communities. This special exhibition tells the stories of those who lived, worked and played in an unofficial “suburb” of Newcastle established just outside Jesmond during the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s. Using objects from archaeological investigations, photographic records and memories of those who were connected to this place, this exhibition provides a point of reflection on today’s housing crisis; and insight into everyday lives built on creative solutions.   

A Place Called Hollywood is an exhibition by Newcastle Museum, developed with support from the NSW Government through Transport for NSW and Create NSW. Project archaeology managed by Fulton Hogan and undertaken by Umwelt and Casey & Lowe. Videography by Toybox Media; 2D Design by Julie Stinson.    

Newcastle Museum thanks the many community members who shared their stories as part of this project, including Tim Adams, Elise Jakeman, Audrey Koosmen, OAM, Barbara McCarthy, John McNaughton AM, Susan Rees, Steven Ward and Lachlan Wetherall.   

Newcastle Museum acknowledges the site that became ‘Hollywood’ as the traditional Country of the Awabakal peoples; and recognises and respects the cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing relationship that has been held with this land, and that they are the proud survivors of more than two hundred years of dispossession.

Book into our Curatorial Tour: A Place Called Hollywood on Tuesday 10 September 2024.

Watch 'Remembering Hollywood'
a short introductory video from the exhibition. (4mins 5secs)

Exhibition panels may contain text that some visitors find difficult to read. If you prefer to use a screen reader, this large text guide (PDF) provides detailed descriptions of the objects in the exhibition. Printed copies are also available at the Museum.