Museum of Brisbane Brisbane
Discover Brisbane's story through free exhibitions, local art, and a historic Clock Tower tour in the heart of City Hall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Museum of Brisbane Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Brisbane's story through free exhibitions, local art, and a historic Clock Tower tour in the heart of City Hall.
"A free gem in City Hall, blending art, culture, and history with stunning city views."
🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Most exhibitions are free! Check for free guided tours and the popular Clock Tower tour.
🎒 Bag Policy & Lockers
Backpacks aren't allowed inside. Use the free locker service provided.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
City Hall Clock Tower Tour
Brisbane City Hall
Ascend to the top of the iconic clock tower for panoramic city views and a glimpse into Brisbane's history.
Clay Exhibition
Museum of Brisbane
Explore a diverse collection of ceramic creations and locally made art, showcasing contemporary artistic talent.
Viewfinders Photography
Museum of Brisbane (Online Gallery)
Discover Brisbane through the eyes of local photographers, capturing the city's evolving story.
Precious Exhibitions
Museum of Brisbane
Delve into fascinating collections ranging from historical artifacts to toys and architectural models.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Plan Your Visit to City Hall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Most exhibitions are free! Check for free guided tours and the popular Clock Tower tour.
🎒 Bag Policy & Lockers
Backpacks aren't allowed inside. Use the free locker service provided.
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture your memories! Photography is generally allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
The MoB shop offers unique, locally made gifts beyond typical tourist fare.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Tours
Most exhibitions are free! Check for free guided tours and the popular Clock Tower tour.
🎒 Bag Policy & Lockers
Backpacks aren't allowed inside. Use the free locker service provided.
📸 Photography Welcome
Capture your memories! Photography is generally allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
The MoB shop offers unique, locally made gifts beyond typical tourist fare.
♿ Accessible Experience
The museum is well-equipped for accessibility, with touch sections and varied exhibit formats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum of Brisbane for its free entry, engaging exhibitions that blend art, culture, and history, and its convenient location within the iconic City Hall. The Clock Tower tour is a highly recommended bonus experience. Some visitors noted that seating within exhibits could be inconsistent.
"Museum of Brisbane is in the city hall on the third floor. This is a free entry facility and the collections are impressive. There are 2 main areas, “precious “ exhibitions and new light photography now and then. There are good collections of historical photographs of Brisbane which is very interesting. Also another area called Precious where different kinds of collections from toys to medical and architectural models. They have a souvenir store at the entrance and toilets nearby. They have free locker facilities as backpacks are not allowed in the museum. Overall we had a great time and Thanks MoB."
ATGC
"This is a nice free museum on the third floor of city hall. I didn't expect much but I was really impressed. It was a nice mix of art, culture, and history. It was all handicap accessible and they gave warnings if things seemed potentially problematic (low light areas, sensitivity warnings, etc). There was a touch and explore section great for all ages including worksheets for kids. I especially liked when the exhibit descriptions had a "short read" summary at the bottom for those who don't have the time or language skills to absorb all the text. I did notice audio description and braille at certain points too.
There's a free locker service for your bags and a nice gift shop. There are a variety of mediums including audio, video, objects and models, still images, dynamic images, and more. The only real thing I would complain about is the seating is kind of hit or miss. Some exhibits have barely any, some only have hard sharp benches, and some have nice comfortable chairs."
Kale Sartor
"Nice museum in the city with free tour guides at alloted times. Our guide was especially friendly and bubbly which makes for a great experience, even as we learned about the horrors that still exists in the sculptures displayed above the city hall.
There's also a tour that you can book to go up to the clock tower. Don't be throwing any coins down though"
Benjamin Lau
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Brisbane is located on the third floor of Brisbane City Hall in the city centre. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and trains, to the CBD. Many visitors arrive via the free CityHopper ferry, docking at nearby South Bank or Riverside terminals.
While there isn't direct parking at City Hall, several paid parking stations are located within walking distance in the Brisbane CBD. Consider public transport or ride-sharing for convenience.
Yes, if you're staying in South Brisbane, you can easily walk across the Victoria Bridge to the CBD and reach the Museum of Brisbane. Alternatively, use public transport or the free CityHopper ferry.
The Museum of Brisbane is typically open daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary.
Absolutely! The Museum of Brisbane is a perfect addition to a day trip to Brisbane, especially when combined with the Clock Tower tour and exploring the surrounding CBD.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Museum of Brisbane is free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for exploring Brisbane's history and art.
While general entry is free, it's recommended to book tickets for specific tours, such as the popular Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower tour, as they can fill up quickly.
Most exhibitions at the Museum of Brisbane are free. However, always check their website for any special ticketed events or temporary exhibitions that might have an associated cost.
Backpacks and large bags are not permitted inside the museum. Free locker facilities are available near the entrance for visitors to store their belongings.
As general admission is free, there are no discounts for entry. However, the museum shop offers a range of unique, locally made items that make for great souvenirs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore rotating exhibitions on Brisbane's history, art, and culture, including photography and ceramic displays. Don't miss the 'Precious' collections and the chance to take the free Clock Tower tour.
Yes, the museum often features interactive elements and touch-and-explore sections that are great for children. They also provide worksheets for kids.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always wise to check for any specific exhibit restrictions.
Yes, free guided tours are often available at allocated times. The guides are known for being friendly and informative, enhancing the visitor experience.
'Viewfinders' is an online gallery showcasing Brisbane through the lens of local photographers, inspired by the museum's Elliott Collection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Museum of Brisbane itself does not have a cafe or restaurant. However, Brisbane City Hall is surrounded by numerous dining options in the CBD, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
The Brisbane CBD offers a wide range of budget-friendly eateries. Explore nearby streets and laneways for cafes, food courts, and casual dining spots.
Typically, food and drinks are not allowed inside museum exhibition spaces to protect the artifacts. There are usually designated areas outside or in the City Hall foyer where you can consume your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
The Clock Tower offers stunning panoramic views of Brisbane, perfect for cityscapes. Inside, the exhibitions themselves, especially 'Clay' and 'Viewfinders,' provide visually rich subjects.
Generally, yes, for personal use. However, always look for signage indicating 'no photography' zones, especially for sensitive exhibits.
'Viewfinders' showcases the evolving story of Brisbane through the lenses of 65 local photographers, capturing diverse perspectives of the city.
Yes, drone usage is restricted in urban areas like the Brisbane CBD for safety and privacy reasons. Always check CASA regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to utilize the free locker service for any bags, making it easier to navigate the museum with little ones. Nearby South Bank Parklands also offers plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy Streets Beach.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free activities in the CBD and South Bank, such as exploring the libraries, art galleries, and parks. The museum's gift shop also offers unique, reasonably priced souvenirs that are more distinctive than typical tourist merchandise.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the history of Brisbane City Hall itself and take the Clock Tower tour, which offers a historical perspective from above.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Brisbane City Hall
The Clock Tower tour is a highlight, offering a journey up in a historic cage lift to the observation deck, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane. This experience is highly recommended for anyone visiting the museum, as it offers a unique perspective on the city's layout and history.
Beyond the museum and Clock Tower, City Hall often hosts events and exhibitions, making it a vibrant hub within the city. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a must-visit for understanding Brisbane's past and present.
The Museum's Focus: Brisbane's Story
Exhibitions like 'Clay' showcase contemporary ceramic art, highlighting the talent of local artists and providing a modern perspective on artistic expression.
The 'Viewfinders' online gallery, inspired by the museum's Elliott Collection, presents Brisbane through the eyes of 65 local photographers, capturing the city's dynamic changes over time. This approach ensures that the museum remains relevant and engaging for both long-term residents and first-time visitors.MoB also emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. They often include interactive elements, touch-and-explore sections for families, and provide summaries for exhibit descriptions, making the content digestible for a wide audience.
Beyond the Museum: Nearby Attractions
For those interested in more history, the Commissariat Store Museum and the MacArthur Museum are also located nearby, offering deeper dives into specific aspects of Brisbane's past.
For a different kind of experience, consider the Sir Thomas Planetarium for an educational and visually stimulating outing, or explore the natural beauty of Enoggera Reservoir for a nature escape just outside the city.
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