From '60s surf rock to punk, Wollongong has a proud musical heritage which will be celebrated at Wollongong Art Gallery over the next four months.

Steel City Sound, 1965-2015: 50 Years of Rock'n'roll in Wollongong is a multimedia exhibition on Wollongong's music scene.

It draws upon the collections of performers and fans and features contemporary art, stories, photos, video, memorabilia, installations, band merchandise and music.

Artists include Tania Maria Mastroianni, Carolyn Nowaczyk, Redback Graphix and Bill O'Donovan. There will also be displays curated by the Illawarra Folk Club, Zondrae King, Ben Curley, Simon Grant and Tumbleweed.

Steel City Sound opens on Friday, November 22, with local DJs Absorb and Fury playing Wollongong music from 6pm-8.30pm. Entry is free. It runs until March 15.

The exhibition is the brainchild of curator Warren Wheeler, who runs a blog on the history of Wollongong live music - www.steelcitysound.net.

"We do have a rich musical history, one which can be overlooked and ignored through the passage of time," Wheeler said.

"This is an opportunity to look back at what we've achieved and also celebrate where we are now and where we're going."

The Illawarra Mercury gallery room features an installation - a pub inspired by the North Gong Hotel, the Oxford Tavern and Ironworkers club.

The Sredersas gallery features band T-shirts and a memory wall.

"We've also created a lounge room, where you can watch videos, look at memorabilia and listen to local music," Wheeler said.

The Mann Tatlow gallery has a music hall of fame.

The public can play a specially made Tumbleweed pinball machine on opening night and January 24. The proceeds will go to the estate of late Tumbleweed bassist Jay Curley.

Information: Steel City Sound on Facebook or 4227 8500