Museum of Brisbane

Why go

Here the subject is Brisbane itself: its past, objects and contemporary artists. The museum gives more depth to a City Hall visit, moving from the building's civic architecture to stories about the city it serves. Check the current exhibitions if a particular theme is important to you.

What to look for

• Exhibitions on Brisbane history.
• Works by local artists.
• The setting within Brisbane City Hall.

The full story

The Museum of Brisbane opened in 2003 as a successor to the Brisbane City Gallery. Its focus grew beyond a conventional city collection to bring historical material and contemporary creative work into conversation. When City Hall closed for restoration, the museum moved temporarily to Ann Street; it returned in 2013 to a purpose-built space on the building's upper level. That location is part of the experience. City Hall presents Brisbane through public architecture and ceremony, while the museum can examine the city's people, objects and changing identity more closely. The City of Brisbane Collection reaches back to the municipality's nineteenth-century beginnings, giving exhibitions a long view even when the display is about recent life. This pairing makes the museum especially useful after seeing City Hall.

Useful to know

• Enter through City Hall and use the lifts to reach the museum level.
• Allow separate time for the museum and City Hall's architecture.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.