List of museums in Brisbane Facts for Kids

Museum of Brisbane

Brisbane, a big city in Queensland, Australia, has many amazing museums and historic places. Some of these are famous all over the world! If you love learning about history, science, art, or even old trams, Brisbane has something for you.

Discover Brisbane's Museums
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Discover Brisbane's Museums

Brisbane is packed with cool places to explore. Here are some of the top museums you might want to visit:

History and Heritage

Museum of Brisbane: This museum is right in the heart of the city. It tells the story of Brisbane, from its early days in the 1820s to today. You can learn about the city's culture and how it has changed over time.
Commissariat Store, Brisbane: This is one of the oldest buildings in Brisbane! It's run by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland and shows what life was like long ago.
MacArthur Museum: This museum is in a building that was once the headquarters for the South West Pacific Area during World War II. It played a super important role in the war from 1942 to 1944.
Boggo Road Gaol: Located in Dutton Park, this old prison operated for many years in the 19th and 20th centuries. It's known as one of Australia's most famous (or infamous!) prisons. You can learn about its history and the stories of those who were there.
Newstead House: Step back in time at Brisbane's oldest surviving house! This beautiful home shows what life was like in the late 19th century.
Old Government House: This grand building was once the home of Queensland's governors until 1910. It also has an art gallery with works by the famous painter William Robinson.
St Helena Island National Park: Take a trip to St Helena Island to explore the ruins of a 19th-century prison. You can take tours and visit a museum there to learn about its past.

Science and Nature

Queensland Museum: This is the main state museum! It covers everything from Queensland's history and culture to natural history and how we can live sustainably.
Sciencenter: Found inside the Queensland Museum, the Sciencenter is all about hands-on science. You can try out different exhibits and learn how things work in a fun way.
Brisbane Opal Museum: Ever wondered why opal is Australia's national gemstone? This unique museum in Windsor will show you! You can see amazing opal collections and learn about how opals are mined. There's even an opal jewelry shop.
RD Milns Antiquities Museum: Located at the University of Queensland, this museum has ancient treasures from places like western Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It's like a journey back in time to ancient civilizations!
University of Queensland Physics Museum: If you love science, check out this museum at the University of Queensland. It has old physics instruments, books, and other cool items that show the history of physics.

Art and Culture

Queensland Art Gallery: This gallery in South Brisbane displays Australian art from the time of settlement to modern pieces. It also has European and Asian art.
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art: Also in South Brisbane, this is a major center for contemporary art. You can see exciting and new art from around the world.
Institute of Modern Art: Located in Fortitude Valley, this museum focuses on contemporary art exhibits. It's a great place to see what's new and exciting in the art world.
University of Queensland Art Museum: This museum at the University of Queensland features works by important Australian artists and ancient Chinese art.
Tony Gould Gallery: If you love theater, opera, or dance, this gallery at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre is for you. It has exhibits about different performing arts.

Transport and Military

Brisbane Tramway Museum: Head to Ferny Grove to see old trams and trolley-buses that used to run in Brisbane. It's a fun way to see how people got around in the past.
Queensland Maritime Museum: Located in South Brisbane, this museum tells the story of Queensland's history with the sea. You can see old ships and learn about maritime adventures.
Fort Lytton Military Museum: This museum is inside Fort Lytton National Park. It has displays about the fort itself and Brisbane's military history. You can also take tours of the fort.
Queensland Fire Museum: Learn all about firefighting history at this museum in Petrie. They have old fire engines and equipment!
Queensland Ambulance Museum: See historic ambulances and equipment at this museum in Wynnum. You usually need to make an appointment to visit.
Queensland Police Museum: Located in Brisbane, this museum shows the history of the Queensland police force from the 1850s to today.
Victoria Barracks Museum: This museum in Petrie Terrace covers the history of the Australian Army's involvement in major wars like the Boer War, World War I, and World War II.

Other Interesting Museums

Museum of Lands, Mapping and Surveying: If you like maps, this museum in Brisbane is for you! It has historical maps, survey plans, and old tools used for mapping.
Queensland Telecommunications Museum: Operated by the Postal-Telecommunications Historical Society of Queensland, this museum in Clayfield has old telegraphs, telephones, radios, and televisions. It shows how we used to communicate!

List of museums in Brisbane facts for kids

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