The City:
Museum and galleries

18 JANUARY 2023

Immerse yourself in Brisbane’s fascinating history at The City’s premier museums and galleries. From outstanding contemporary collections housing authentic Queensland stories to playful and provocative public art on display, The City is a treasure trove for lovers of art, culture and history. Here’s six rich cultural experiences to be found in The City.

Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall 

Located on the third floor of the historic City Hall building, Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is one of The City’s best-kept secrets. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, tours, talks and special events that celebrate Brisbane’s fashion, music, art, cultural and design industries, it’s an interactive way to immerse yourself in our City’s past and present. Be sure to stop by the MoB Shop during your visit and browse a curated range of contemporary jewellery, ceramics, homewares, stationery, books and treats by independent makers.  

MacArthur Museum Brisbane, Edward St  

For those seeking a deep dive into little-known aspects of Brisbane history, the MacArthur Museum Brisbane in the heritage-listed MacArthur Chambers building is a fascinating visit. Dedicated to telling the stories of Brisbane’s involvement in World War II and the impact on the city and its people, the MacArthur Museum offers a poignant, powerful and informative look behind the front lines of our role in one of modern history’s greatest conflicts.  

Birrunga Gallery, Adelaide St  

Proudly Indigenous owned and operated, Birrunga Gallery was founded by celebrated visual artist and Wiradyuri man, Birrunga Wiradyuri. Alongside Principal Artist Birrunga, whose works explore the spirituality of the Wiradyuri people in historical and contemporary contexts, the gallery exhibits a diverse collection of original artworks by resident First Nations artists. Open to the public and free of charge, Birrunga Gallery also features an onsite café specialising in modern Australian cuisine with a Native twist.   

Commissariat Store Museum, William St  

Built by convicts between 1828 and 1829, the Commissariat Store is Queensland’s most significant and oldest habitable building. Housed within one of 11 heritage buildings that make up the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, The Commissariat Store is a niche museum showcasing Queensland’s history via a series of rotating exhibitions and a fascinating collection of models and artefacts – the most significant being the building itself.  

QUT Art Museum, George St  

QUT Art Museum and its sister gallery, William Robinson Gallery, are two of Queensland’s premier visual art institutions. At QUT Art Museum, you’ll find in-house curated exhibitions drawn from the university’s extensive art collection of more than 3000 objects, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics, chiefly by Australian artists. The William Robinson Gallery in the beautiful surrounds of Old Government House proudly celebrates the works of Australia’s preeminent landscape artist William Robinson, housing more than 300 objects. Both galleries are open to the public and free, and complemented by a year-round program of special events and educational experiences. 

Art Walking Trails, Various Locations  

Hidden down laneways, in public parks and on high-rise facades, The City is filled with incredible public art and perfect for an on-foot art adventure. Make your way through Brisbane City Council’s five public art trails, grouped thematically with unique experiences centring the Brisbane River, Brisbane’s contemporary art and architecture, and our City's cultural heritage.  

Friends enjoying a drink at Riverbar.