Elysium - Australian National Maritime Museum

Explore the icy realms of the Arctic, Earth's northernmost region with this online exhibition

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Experience the exhibition with our online curator-led tour

About Elysium

In 2015 a team of explorers, photographers and scientists journeyed to the High Arctic of Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland to document the visible environmental changes caused by a warming climate. Together they created Elysium Arctic, a marriage of art and science capturing the threatened icons of the polar north – majestic icebergs and glaciers, playful wildlife and stunning views of land and sea. The Elysium team saw the devastating impact of climate change in the earth's northernmost region and are sharing the message of what they witnessed with the wider world.

'Polar Pioneer', the Elysium Arctic expedition vessel, approaches to pick up the team. Image Michael Aw, Greenland, 2015.

'Polar Pioneer', the Elysium Arctic expedition vessel, approaches to pick up the team. Image Michael Aw, Greenland, 2015.

Expedition Director Michael Aw diving into Arctic waters. Image Jennifer Hayes, Svalbard, 2015.

Expedition Director Michael Aw diving into Arctic waters. Image Jennifer Hayes, Svalbard, 2015.

Mixing artists and scientists with a common objective – exploring and celebrating the Arctic – has the magical effect of amplifying the power of both.

Dr Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer and Chief Scientist of Elysium Arctic

The Elysium projects are run by Michael AW, internationally acclaimed wildlife photographer, explorer and ocean advocate. Michael believes that art can inspire people to take action to mitigate climate change and save some of the most vulnerable places on earth. Braving sub-zero temperatures, sea ice and some very curious polar bears, the Elysium team has produced a breathtaking visual journey through the Arctic.

Whatever you choose to do with your life, you can – and should – explore the world

Dr Sylvia Earle

Ocean pioneer Dr Sylvia Earle joined Michael AW as chief scientist on Elysium Arctic. Nicknamed ‘Her Deepness’ by The New Yorker, Sylvia’s love for the ocean has placed her at the forefront of marine science since the 1960s. She has led 70 expeditions, authored over 150 publications and logged more than 7,000 hours underwater – including as leader of the all-female team on submerged habitat, Tektite II.

Dr Sylvia Earle celebrated her 80th birthday by snorkelling in the Arctic Ocean. Image Michael AW, Svalbard, 2015

Sylvia’s tenacity helped her overcome challenges and break world records. In 1968, Sylvia made history by becoming the first woman to pilot and ‘lock out’ (enter and leave the chamber) of a submersible – while she was four months pregnant with her third child! In 1979, she set the record for the deepest untethered seafloor walk in a metal ‘JIM’ suit, descending 381m underwater off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii.

Today, Sylvia is a respected scientist, educator and founder of ocean conservation program Mission Blue. She celebrated her 80th birthday on the Elysium Arctic expedition with cake and a snorkel in the world’s northernmost waters.