Discover the stories of Cairns - right in the heart of the city
Cairns Museum is your place to explore the rich and diverse social history of our region. Located in the historic School of Arts building, the Museum is operated by the Cairns Historical Society — custodians of a remarkable collection of photographs, objects and personal stories that help define life in Far North Queensland, past and present.
From hands-on fun for kids to fascinating exhibitions, there’s something here for locals, newcomers and curious travellers alike.
Step inside and connect with the people, places and moments that have shaped our city.
Exhibitions
Explore the people, places and events that have shaped life in the tropics. With four permanent galleries and a changing Ground Floor Gallery, our exhibitions reveal the many layers of Far North Queensland’s story.
Kids & Families
Hands-on activities, discovery trails and playful exhibits bring the past to life for kids of all ages. Whether you're visiting during school holidays or dropping in on a weekend, there's plenty to explore together.
Visit Us
Open six days a week in the heart of the city, the Museum offers air-conditioned galleries, friendly staff and a warm welcome. Find everything you need to plan your visit, including tickets, hours and accessibility info.
Spring Holiday Activities
Tuesday 23 & Tuesday 30 September 2025
Join us at Cairns Museum these school holidays for two creative, hands-on workshops. Kids aged 5–10 will learn how to use recycled paper to create colourful beads for necklaces and bracelets. For kids aged 8–10, they can discover the secrets of Morse Code, becoming code-breakers and learning how to send hidden messages. With our Museum guide Tony, kids will step into the world of spies and secret signals.
Parent supervision required
$7 or free for Members
UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Han Mak Belong Tumbuna
27 September – 6 January 2026
Discover the stories behind more than 160 artefacts from Papua New Guinea – from arrows and bows to kina shells, tapa cloths and ceremonial adornments.
Created through collaboration with Cairns’ PNG community, this exhibition is a living conversation about heritage, identity and re-gifting.
COMING IN 2026
Cairns 150 Years
A city. A milestone. Your stories.
In 2026, Cairns marks 150 years since the establishment of the colonial township. The Cairns Historical Society is leading a major community history program supported by Cairns Regional Council, featuring exhibitions, talks and local storytelling.
Help shape the story of our region.
CAIRNS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Making history accessible for current and future generations. The Cairns Historical Society has nurtured the collections on display at Cairns Museum, led research into the region’s past and continues to preserve this remarkable history for generations to come.
CAIRNS MUSEUM EVENTS AND NEWS
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Listen to Dr Sandi Robb on 4CA with Murray Jones
Cairns Museum Executive Officer Dr Sandi Robb joined Murray Jones on his Breakfast program on 4CA for a conversation about the upcoming Cairns 150 celebrations.
Favourites from If These Walls Could Talk
Celebrate the Museum’s 45th anniversary and add to our collection understanding. Share your insight into some of our favourites from If These Walls Could Talk.
Tune in to a milestone in Cairns Museum history
Tune in and hear Dr Sandi Robb discuss the latest exhibition on ABC Radio.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we stand, and we extend our respect to all First Nations Peoples across Cairns, Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.
