How do you describe the National Museum of Australia's collection? Objects range from an anchor discarded by Matthew Flinders in 1803 to Holden prototype no. 1; from a giant kewpie doll who featured in the 2000 Olympics closing ceremony to the largest collection of bark paintings in the world. Some objects reflect important moments in Australian history; others tell stories of everyday events and forgotten lives. Captivating and Curious introduces some of the most significant and diverse objects from the National Historical Collection. Taken together, they offer a journey through Australia's history that is as unique and idiosyncratic as the nation itself.