A favourite end of year tradition returns to State Library

One of our favourite end of year traditions returns; a shiny swarm of Christmas beetles has taken over State Library.

Made of copper, these bespoke crafted beetles were designed by former Queensland College of Art student Elishia Whitchurch, winning State Library’s season’s greetings competition back in 2006.

Clumsy fliers, noisy, large and shiny, Christmas beetles are synonymous with the festive season in Australia.

Since its initial display, the collection of 30 beetles has grown to over 100. Each is unique, with its own size and characteristics, and the colony is currently clinging to the outside of the State Library building.

Make sure you visit State Library to see this beautiful collection before they scurry away at the end of the holiday season!

Even better, you can take a miniature beetle home with you – drop into Library Shop to buy a Christmas beetle ornament as a keepsake for yourself or a gift.

Our colony of crafted copper Christmas beetles is on display until the end of January 2025.