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What do I need to know?
Various keywords such as the venue, the sport or the event should provide a successful search.
The names of some of the athletes are also available for search.
How do I search?
If you are not sure what you are looking for, start with a general keyword, such as ‘athletics’. That will bring up thumbnails of all the photographs for that sport, which you can browse through.
About these records
For the 1956 Olympics, press photographers of the day agreed to make all the images they took available in a common pool. This comprehensive collection of images was managed by the Melbourne Olympiad Organising Committee and is now available to view online through our catalogue.
Next Steps
You can place an order for a high-resolution digital copy of any of these images by ordering the record online, and following the prompts for copy requests.
What are in these records?
Nearly every sport featured at the Games has been captured, plus the opening and closing ceremonies.
As well as moments of competition, there are many images of competitors before and after events, both medalists and other competitors.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples.