The first Indigenous artist to be exhibited in Australia will be honoured tonight at the opening of a new exhibition featuring artwork from the first days of settlement in the Northern Territory to the present day.

Larrakia artist Billiamook's drawings were exhibited in Melbourne in 1888 as fine art.

The Northern Territory Museum and Art Gallery's Gary Lee says the exhibition will feature both the early works of Billiamook and inspired pieces from modern day Larrakia artists.

"It's an homage to him, being one of the first Larrakia artists to be exhibited down south, and also a celebration of Larrakia people, culture and art," he said.

"Our aim is to cultivate local knowledge and cultural pride."