Are you looking for a unique and enriching experience in Brisbane? Do you want to learn more about the city's past, present, and future? If yes, then you should visit the Museum of Brisbane, a social history museum and art gallery that showcases the stories, people, and places of Brisbane. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the museum, such as what's on, how to visit, and why it's worth visiting. Read on and get ready to explore the Museum of Brisbane!
What's On at the Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane offers a variety of exhibitions, events, workshops, tours, and MoB Kids activities that cater to different interests and ages. Whether you are interested in art, culture, history, or science, you will find something that suits your taste and curiosity. Here are some of the current and upcoming offerings at the museum:
- The View from Here: The Photographic World of Alfred Elliott 1890-1940: This exhibition features over 100 photographs by Alfred Elliott, a prolific and influential photographer who captured the changing landscape, architecture, and society of Brisbane in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You will see stunning images of iconic landmarks, such as the Story Bridge, the City Hall, and the Customs House, as well as everyday scenes of people, streets, and events. The exhibition runs until 30 June 2024 and is free to enter.
- Perspectives of Brisbane: This exhibition showcases the diverse and creative ways that artists have portrayed Brisbane over the years. You will see paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures by local and national artists, such as William Robinson, Margaret Olley, Michael Zavros, and Tracey Moffatt. The exhibition also invites you to share your own perspective of Brisbane by contributing to a collaborative artwork. The exhibition runs until 31 December 2024 and is free to enter.
- New Woman: This exhibition celebrates the achievements and contributions of women artists in Brisbane from the 1920s to the present. You will see works by over 80 artists, such as Vida Lahey, Daphne Mayo, Judy Watson, and Davida Allen, that reflect the changing roles, rights, and identities of women in society. The exhibition also features interactive and immersive installations, such as a feminist library, a portrait studio, and a protest space. The exhibition runs until 15 March 2025 and is free to enter.
- Workshops, Tours, and Talks: The museum also offers various workshops, tours, and talks that allow you to learn new skills, discover new insights, and engage with experts and peers. For example, you can join a workshop on photography, pottery, or embroidery, a tour of the City Hall or the Clock Tower, or a talk on the history, culture, or art of Brisbane. You can check the museum's website for the latest schedule and prices of these programs and events.
- MoB Kids: The museum also has a dedicated section for children and families, called MoB Kids, that offers fun and educational activities, such as storytelling, craft, and games. You can also book a birthday party, a school holiday program, or a family day out at the museum. You can check the museum's website for the latest schedule and prices of these activities.
Explore the Museum of Brisbane Online
If you can't visit the museum in person, or if you want to extend your visit, you can also explore the museum online. The museum has a rich and varied online content that you can access anytime and anywhere. Here are some of the online content that you can enjoy:
- Virtual Tour: You can take a virtual tour of the museum on the Google Arts & Culture platform, which allows you to explore the museum's exhibitions and collections in 360° views. You can also use interactive features, such as zoom, rotate, and audio guide, to enhance your experience.
- Podcasts: You can listen to podcasts produced by the museum, such as MoBcast and MoB Learn, that cover topics related to the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs. You can also hear stories and interviews from artists, curators, historians, and community members.
- Videos: You can watch videos created by the museum, such as MoB Stories and MoB Makers, that showcase the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs. You can also see behind-the-scenes footage, artist profiles, and event highlights.
- Blogs: You can read blogs written by the museum, such as MoB Blog and MoB Learn Blog, that provide insights and information on the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs. You can also learn more about the history, culture, and art of Brisbane.
- Publications: You can access publications produced by the museum, such as books, catalogues, and magazines, that document and analyse the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs. You can also find research and academic papers, essays, and reviews.
Plan Your Visit to the Museum of Brisbane
If you are planning to visit the museum in person, here are some useful information that you need to know:
- Location: The museum is located on the third floor of the City Hall, which is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in Brisbane. The museum's address is King George Square, Brisbane QLD 4000.
- Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday. The museum is also open until 7 pm on Fridays. The museum's opening hours may vary on public holidays and special events, so please check the museum's website for the latest updates.
- Admission: The museum's admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated. You can make a donation online or at the museum's reception. Your donation will help the museum to continue its work and mission.
MoB Learn: Educational Resources and Opportunities
The Museum of Brisbane is not only a place to visit, but also a place to learn. The museum offers a range of educational resources and opportunities for educators and students of all levels and disciplines. Whether you are looking for curriculum-aligned programs, worksheets, quizzes, or games, you will find something that suits your learning objectives and outcomes. Here are some of the educational resources and opportunities that the museum offers:
- School Visits: You can book a school visit to the museum and enjoy a guided tour of the exhibitions, a hands-on workshop, or a tailored program that meets your specific needs and interests. You can also access pre- and post-visit resources, such as lesson plans, activities, and assessments, to enhance your learning experience. The museum's school visits are suitable for students from Prep to Year 12, and cover various subjects, such as history, geography, art, and science. You can check the museum's website for the latest schedule and prices of the school visits.
- Professional Development: You can also book a professional development session at the museum and learn new skills, strategies, and ideas to enrich your teaching practice and curriculum. You can also network with other educators and experts, and share your feedback and suggestions. The museum's professional development sessions are suitable for educators of all levels and disciplines, and cover various topics, such as inquiry-based learning, digital literacy, and cultural diversity. You can check the museum's website for the latest schedule and prices of the professional development sessions.
- Research Partnerships: You can also collaborate with the museum and participate in research projects, publications, and events that contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the museum and gallery sector. You can also access the museum's collections, archives, and databases, and consult with the museum's staff, researchers, and partners. The museum's research partnerships are suitable for researchers, academics, and students of all levels and disciplines, and cover various areas, such as social history, art history, and museum studies. You can check the museum's website for the latest opportunities and requirements of the research partnerships.
MoB Shop: Products Inspired by the Museum's Collections and Exhibitions
If you want to take home a souvenir or a gift from the museum, you can visit the MoB Shop, the museum's online store. The MoB Shop offers a range of products inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions, such as books, homewares, jewellery, and souvenirs. You can also find products that support local and emerging artists, designers, and makers, and reflect the museum's values and vision. Here are some of the products that you can find at the MoB Shop:
- Books: You can find books that document and analyse the museum's exhibitions, collections, and programs, such as "The View from Here: The Photographic World of Alfred Elliott 1890-1940", "Perspectives of Brisbane", and "New Woman". You can also find books that explore the history, culture, and art of Brisbane, such as "Brisbane: The Aboriginal Presence 1824-1860", "Brisbane Art Deco: Stories of our Built Heritage", and "Brisbane Street Art".
- Homewares: You can find homewares that decorate and brighten your home, such as cushions, mugs, coasters, and candles. You can also find homewares that feature the museum's collections and exhibitions, such as "The View from Here" tea towel, "Perspectives of Brisbane" tote bag, and "New Woman" apron.
- Jewellery: You can find jewellery that accessorise and personalise your style, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings. You can also find jewellery that feature the museum's collections and exhibitions, such as "The View from Here" pendant, "Perspectives of Brisbane" brooch, and "New Woman" earrings.
- Souvenirs: You can find souvenirs that commemorate and celebrate your visit to the museum, such as magnets, keyrings, postcards, and stickers. You can also find souvenirs that feature the museum's collections and exhibitions, such as "The View from Here" magnet, "Perspectives of Brisbane" keyring, "New Woman" postcard, and "MoB Kids" sticker.
MoB Member: Benefits of Joining the Museum's Membership Program
If you want to support the museum and enjoy more benefits and privileges, you can join the MoB Member, the museum's membership program. The MoB Member allows you to become part of the museum's community and culture, and to contribute to the museum's work and mission. Here are some of the benefits and privileges that you can enjoy as a MoB Member:
- Discounts: You can enjoy discounts on the museum's programs, events, workshops, tours, and MoB Kids activities, as well as on the museum's publications and products. You can also enjoy discounts on the museum's partner venues, such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
- Invitations: You can receive invitations to the museum's exclusive events, such as exhibition openings, previews, and launches, as well as to the museum's partner events, such as festivals, concerts, and shows.
- Access: You can access the museum's special offers, such as priority booking, reserved seating, and free entry, as well as the museum's partner offers, such as VIP passes, backstage tours, and meet and greet.
- Recognition: You can receive recognition for your support and contribution, such as a membership card, a newsletter, a certificate, and a plaque.
About the Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane is more than just a museum. It is a place where you can discover the art, culture, and history of the city, and connect with its stories, people, and places. The museum was established in 2003, and relocated to the City Hall in 2013. Since then, the museum has welcomed over 4 million visitors, and has won several awards and accolades, such as the Queensland Tourism Award, the Museums and Galleries National Award, and the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award. The museum is governed by a board of directors, and is staffed by a team of professionals, volunteers, and interns.
The museum is also supported by a network of partners, sponsors, and donors, who share the museum's vision and values. The museum's collections include over 10,000 artworks, photographs, objects, and oral histories that reflect the history and culture of Brisbane, and are displayed in the museum's exhibitions and online content. The museum's collections are also available for research, education, and public programs.
Contact the Museum of Brisbane
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about the museum, you can contact the museum in various ways:
- Phone: You can call the museum on (07) 3339 0800, from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
- Email: You can email the museum at info@museumofbrisbane.com.au, and expect a reply within 24 hours.
- Social Media: You can follow the museum on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, and send a message or leave a comment.
- Contact Form: You can fill out the contact form on the museum's website, and expect a reply within 24 hours.
- Feedback Form: You can fill out the feedback form on the museum's website, and expect a reply within 24 hours.
Conclusion
The Museum of Brisbane is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to discover the art, culture, and history of the city. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions, events, workshops, tours, and MoB Kids activities that cater to different interests and ages. The museum also offers a range of online content, such as virtual tours, podcasts, videos, blogs, and publications, that you can access anytime and anywhere. The museum also offers a range of educational resources and opportunities, such as school visits, professional development, and research partnerships, that you can book, participate, or collaborate.
The museum also offers a range of products inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions, such as books, homewares, jewellery, and souvenirs, that you can purchase online or at the museum's shop. The museum also offers a membership program, called MoB Member, that allows you to support the museum and enjoy more benefits and privileges. The museum is located on the third floor of the City Hall, which is one of the most iconic and historic buildings in Brisbane. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and Good Friday. The museum's admission is free, but donations are welcome and appreciated.
