Why do we believe the make-believe? State Library Victoria’s Make Believe exhibition reveals how misinformation shapes our world.

Is it real or fake? It’s a question we ask all the time – when we scroll through social media, read the news, or even chat with friends. Misinformation is everywhere. But what fuels it? Why do we keep falling for it? And how do our own biases shape what we accept as true? 

Opening on Wednesday 16 April 2025, Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation unpacks how misinformation has shaped life and culture. Featuring a compelling mix of historical artefacts, contemporary art commissions, and provocative storytelling, the exhibition uncovers the tools and traps of misinformation, from creation to consumption. 

State Library Victoria CEO, Paul Duldig, says, ‘This exhibition couldn’t be more timely. Misinformation is everywhere, from historical myths that persist for centuries to digital-age distortions that spread in seconds. Make Believe is a playful exploration of a darker topic, inviting visitors to reflect on how we process information, why we believe what we do, and the powerful ways misinformation influences our world.’ 

Unlike conventional exhibitions that focus on debunking falsehoods, Make Believe takes a more philosophical approach, challenging visitors to think critically rather than offering simple distinctions between fact and fiction. 

Curated from the Library’s extensive collections, the exhibition explores four fascinating themes – our planet, our bodies, our histories, and our freedoms – through real-life examples and thought-provoking responses from artists and industry experts. From misleading medical drawings that influenced generations of doctors, to the power of advertising in obscuring the environmental impact of our choices, Make Believe highlights the scale of the problem and invites us to examine our own role and how we can effect change. 

State Library Victoria Senior Curator, Linda Short, says, ‘The pervasiveness of misinformation in our lives can make us feel powerless. Make Believe takes a proactive approach by highlighting the agency we have to redress the problem.’ 

‘From thousand-year-old Persian poetry preserving concealed truths to groundbreaking medical research debunking harmful beliefs about female anatomy, Make Believe demonstrates how curiosity and thoughtful research can help us navigate today’s information-saturated world.’ 

Visitors to Make Believe can expect to encounter: 

• Fake news from the 1500s to now – Rare and valuable collection items illustrate unexpected stories such as male delusions about female genital anatomy. 
• The psychology of deception – Contemporary art commissions explore why we believe misinformation, even in the face of facts. 
• Hands-on experiences – Visitors are invited to test their ability to spot misinformation. 
• Expert insights on misinformation – Librarians, artists, academics and subject specialists tackle the modern surge of misinformation. 

Make Believe isn’t just an exhibition – it’s a conversation starter. Alongside the thought-provoking display, a dynamic lineup of events will invite audiences to dive even deeper. The free Your Library Online webinar on 8 April, featuring an advanced search session, will tackle the complexities of misinformation and showcase how to best use the Library as a trusted source for reliable information. Then, the iconic Library Up Late series returns with a special Make Believe x Library Up Late edition on 12 June, transforming the Library into a vibrant after-dark space with panel discussions, live performances, and interactive experiences. Make Believe extends far beyond the gallery walls, challenging visitors to question, explore, and rethink the world around them. 

For more information, visit slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/make-believe

Exhibition details 

Exhibition: Make Believe: Encounters with Misinformation 
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery, State Library Victoria 
Opening date: Wednesday 16 April 2025 
Admission: Free, open 10am-6pm daily