Discover the Best Brisbane Museums

Brisbane’s museums are more than just spaces for history—they’re windows into the city’s culture, creativity, and heritage. Whether you're exploring ancient artefacts, engaging with interactive art installations, or discovering Australia’s natural beauty, Brisbane’s museums offer experiences that educate, inspire, and entertain.

In this guide, you’ll uncover some of Brisbane’s most iconic museums and hidden gems, perfect for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travellers alike.

Museums play a vital role in preserving Brisbane’s cultural heritage and educating the public about the city’s diverse past and natural environment. These spaces offer an interactive way to engage with Brisbane’s Indigenous roots, colonial history, and modern identity.

Museums in Brisbane go beyond static displays; many feature hands-on exhibits, workshops, and family-friendly programs that make learning about history and culture fun and accessible for all ages.

By visiting Brisbane’s museums, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of what makes this city unique.

The Queensland Museum is Brisbane’s most extensive museum, known for its natural history exhibits and cultural heritage displays. Located in South Bank, the museum showcases Queensland’s biodiversity and history, with interactive exhibits on subjects ranging from dinosaurs to marine life and Indigenous culture. Visitors can explore the permanent collections, which include fossils, ancient artifacts, and local wildlife displays.

Highlights:

• Natural History: The dinosaur exhibit features fossils and skeletons that captivate visitors, especially children.
• Cultural Heritage: Learn about Indigenous Australian culture, Queensland’s colonial history, and local traditions through permanent displays.
• Programs and Events: The museum hosts workshops, guided tours, and special family programs, making it a great destination for educational visits.

QAGOMA is Brisbane’s leading art institution, combining the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art under one umbrella. This world-class gallery in South Brisbane features both contemporary and traditional art from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, with interactive installations that engage visitors of all ages. QAGOMA is especially known for its immersive exhibitions, large-scale installations, and focus on modern and experimental works

.

Highlights:

• Contemporary Art: A focus on modern art with interactive exhibits and installations, including multimedia art and digital displays.
• Permanent Collection: The Indigenous Australian art collection offers a profound look at the country’s history and creative expression.
• Family-Friendly: QAGOMA’s Children’s Art Centre hosts workshops, hands-on activities, and art-making sessions designed for young visitors.

The Museum of Brisbane, located in City Hall, celebrates Brisbane’s history and community stories. The museum showcases exhibitions on Brisbane’s growth, local industries, and community stories that reveal the city’s evolving identity. The Museum of Brisbane also features rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to explore with every visit.

Highlights:

• Brisbane Stories: Exhibits delve into Brisbane’s past, including colonial history, Indigenous culture, and immigrant communities.
• Art and Photography: The museum often displays works by local artists that showcase Brisbane’s beauty and character.
• Rotating Exhibitions: From architecture and design to fashion and photography, the museum regularly updates its exhibits, providing fresh insights into local culture.

The Queensland Maritime Museum is an excellent stop for families and those interested in Queensland’s maritime history. Located near the Brisbane River, the museum features historic vessels, maritime artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Queensland’s naval heritage.

Highlights:

• Historic Vessels: See the HMAS Diamantina, a WWII frigate, and learn about Queensland’s naval contributions.
• Family Activities: Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits, learning about shipbuilding and navigation.
• Educational Programs: The museum offers guided tours and educational workshops that make maritime history accessible to all ages.

A treat for car enthusiasts, the Brisbane Motor Museum offers a journey through the evolution of the automobile. With a rotating display of vintage and classic cars, the museum appeals to visitors who appreciate automotive history and design. Exhibits change frequently, so each visit may bring new discoveries for car lovers.

Highlights:

• Classic Cars: Explore a variety of classic and vintage automobiles, each with unique stories and design.
• Educational Insights: Learn about the technology and innovation behind car manufacturing and its impact on modern vehicles.
• Events and Tours: The museum often hosts events, including car shows and guided tours.

Australia’s national gemstone, the opal, is showcased beautifully at the Brisbane Opal Museum. This unique museum explores the opal mining process and features an array of opals, from raw stones to exquisite jewelry. With guided tours, visitors can gain a better understanding of the importance of opals in Australia’s mining industry and see the captivating beauty of this gemstone up close.

Highlights:

• Opal Collection: See opals in various forms, from raw stones to polished jewelry pieces.
• Educational Tours: The museum offers guided tours explaining the mining, cutting, and polishing processes behind Australia’s opal industry.
• Family-Friendly: With hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, the museum is great for visitors of all ages.

Brisbane’s museums are designed with families in mind, offering a variety of activities, workshops, and interactive exhibits to engage younger visitors.

The Queensland Museum has a dedicated section for children with hands-on exhibits and educational programs that bring science and natural history to life. QAGOMA also features a Children’s Art Centre where kids can participate in creative workshops and make their own artworks.

Most museums offer accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and sensory-friendly hours, ensuring all visitors can comfortably enjoy their time.

Weekdays tend to be quieter, especially in the mornings. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer a less crowded experience.

Some museums, like the Museum of Brisbane, offer free admission, while others may charge entry fees. Many museums also have free days or discounts for children, students, and seniors, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Brisbane’s central museums are well-connected by public transport, making them easy to reach from the city centre.

For the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Queensland Museum, located in the South Bank cultural precinct, visitors can take trains to South Brisbane Station from Central Station.

Alternatively, bus routes 196, 199, and 333 stop at the nearby Cultural Centre Busway Station, just a short walk away. The CityCat ferry also offers a scenic journey to the South Bank terminal, just minutes from both museums.

The Museum of Brisbane, housed in City Hall on King George Square, can be reached by taking the train to Central or Roma Street Stations, both within a 10-minute walk.

For bus services, visitors can disembark at the King George Square bus station, serviced by multiple routes, including the 345, 66, and 390. From there, it’s a brief stroll to City Hall, where the museum awaits on the third level.

Parking is available at most locations, though fees may apply, especially in the South Bank area.

Brisbane’s museums provide a deep dive into the city’s heritage and creative expression. With each museum offering unique insights and interactive exhibits, they cater to all ages and interests. From art and history to cars and gemstones, Brisbane’s museum scene has something to captivate every visitor.

When you’re next in Brisbane, make time to explore these fascinating spaces — you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the stories that make this city extraordinary.