Australia’s Million Dollar Mermaidwill celebrate Annette Kellerman –pioneer of health, sport and female empowerment around the world.

Kellerman pioneered competitive swimming for women,fashioned one of thefirst full body swimsuitsin the world, starred inAmerican silent filmsand was one of the firstAustralians to crack the Hollywood industry with hermermaid characters. She then went on to publish some of the first self-help nutritional books.

Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) Director, Dolla Merrillees, saysthe exhibition shines a light on an important local personality. “Annette Kellerman’s story has become legendary. She achieved an astonishing level of success, both at home and abroad, becoming an international celebrity as a swimmer, vaudeville entertainer, film star and a pioneer of women’s health and fitness.”

The Million Dollar Mermaid exhibition will showcase Kellerman’s personal collection of costumes, photos, memorabilia and film footage. Highlights include various styles of her one-piece swimsuits, stage outfits and a spectacular costume from the Hollywood biopic Million Dollar Mermaid, in which Esther Williams portrayed Kellerman.

The exhibition will be on display from Wednesday August 10 at the Powerhouse Museum. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

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