Exhibitions
Our galleries share the stories of Cairns and the tropics — past and present, familiar and forgotten. Across four permanent exhibition spaces, and a Ground Floor Gallery that hosts changing displays throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover.
Whether you’re interested in local legends, national milestones or community collections, our exhibitions offer fresh insights into life in Far North Queensland.
Han Mak Belong Tumbuna
Discover more than 160 artefacts from Papua New Guinea, including arrows and bows, kina shells, tapa cloths and ceremonial adornments. Created with Cairns’ PNG community, the exhibition explores identity, memory and heritage, and begins the journey of re-gifting these treasures.
Politically Spruiking
Explore Far North Queensland’s political landscape through over 70 original cartoons from former MP Warren Entsch’s collection.
If These Walls Could Talk
This year we celebrate 45 years since the Cairns Historical Society opened the doors of the Cairns Museum.
Cats and Dogs – All at Sea
Cats and Dogs — All at Sea is a touring exhibition by the Australian National Maritime Museum that documents animals at sea and their seafaring lifestyle.
Echo of the Past
Historical photographs from Mission Beach, 1890s – 1950s. A Collaboration between us and the Mission Beach Historical Society.
Kirrenderri
Kirrenderri is a visually striking and narrative rich exhibition chronicling stories from one of Australia’s most remote locations.
Still Life Comes Alive
Experience Cairns’ rich history through contemporary still life art at Cairns Museum’s collaborative exhibit with Cairns Art Society.
50 Treasures Revisited
Explore the rich history of James Cook University through a selection of treasures, showcased in a captivating exhibition.
Growing up in the Tropics
Growing up in the tropics is a unique experience. We piece together four categories of children’s lives — playing, learning, getting around, and resilience in this exhibition.
Beach Couture: A Haute Mess
We don’t know what will remain of us centuries from now but one thing is certain: there will be plastic, lots of plastic.
1 X 4
Museums use objects to tell stories – but which story and from whose perspective?
Sihot’e Nioge
Independent curator Joan G Winter is a passionate advocate for the artists and art of the Omie people of Oro Province, Papua New Guinea.
Rediscovering Buk Ti
Curator Dr Sandi Robb had no idea what she was about to discover when the Ingham Family History Association asked for her advice on creating “a little display” ..
The Trouble with Parting
Have you ever donated something to a museum? Had it been in your family for ages and did you feel too guilty to throw it out?
Percy Trezise
‘Percy Trezise: the man who loved Cape York Peninsula’ examines the life and legacy of a man whose name was synonymous with Cape York Peninsula for over 30 years.
Reef Productions
‘Reef Productions: migrants, makers and merchandise’ featured in the Cairns Museum’s Temporary Gallery.
Han Mak Belong Tumbuna
Han Mak Belong Tumbuna: Made by the Hands of the Ancestors 27 September 2025 – 6 January 2026 Han Mak Belong Tumbuna brings together more than 160 artefacts from Papua...
Politically Spruiking
Politically Spruiking 5 July – 22 September 2025 Politically Spruiking takes a light-hearted look at the rough and tumble world of politics in Far North Queensland. At its centre is...
If These Walls Could Talk
If These Walls Could Talk 22 March – 27 June 2025 For over 67 years the Cairns Historical Society has been collecting the social history of Cairns and far north...
Cats and Dogs – All at Sea
Cats and Dogs – All at Sea 8 Nov 2024 – 17 Mar 2025 Strathgarry crew 1910s. The captain’s terrier occupies a central place in this crew portrait on the Scottish steamer. The two...
Echo of the Past
Echo of the Past – Historical photographs from Mission Beach 1890s-1950s 5 July – 2 November 2024 Acknowledge Djiru Traditional Custodians We acknowledge the Djiru Traditional Custodians of Country around Mission...
Kirrenderri
Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country 15 MARCH – 22 june 2024 Featured image: A newly rediscovered ancient giant “Scorpious Stone Arrangement” in the remote desert of far western QLD,...
Still Life Comes Alive
Still Life Comes Alive 3 november 2023 – 9 march 2024 The term still life describes a work of art that depicts objects from the natural or man-made world. A...
50 Treasures Revisited
50 Treasures Revisited 24 june – 28 october 2023 (Featured Image): The Investigator (maquette), 1994, by Anton Hasell JCU Library is fortunate to have collections of unique and rare resources...
Growing up in the Tropics
Growing up in the Tropics 3 March – 17 June 2023 What are the most significant memories about growing up in the tropics? How do they differ from growing up...
Beach Couture: A Haute Mess
Beach Couture: A Haute Mess 18 November 2022 – 25 February 2023 Photos by Stephen Wong We don’t know what will remain of us centuries from now but one thing...
1 X 4
1 X 4 one object / four stories Museums use objects to tell stories – but which story and from whose perspective? 1 x 4 was an exhibition first developed...
Sihot’e Nioge
sihot’e nioge when skirts become artworks Independent curator Joan G Winter is a passionate advocate for the artists and art of the Omie people of Oro Province, Papua New Guinea...
Rediscovering Buk Ti
rediscovering buk ti curating an award winning exhibition As I sat as guest at the annual Christmas party in late 2018 at the little pub at Lucinda overlooking Hinchinbrook Island,...
The Trouble with Parting
THE TROUBLE WITH PARTING the objects we find hard to discard Have you ever donated something to a museum? Had it been in your family for ages and did you...
Percy Trezise
Percy Trezise The man who loved Cape York Peninsula The Museum’s newest exhibition examines the life and legacy of a man whose name was synonymous with Cape York Peninsula for...
Reef Productions
Reef Productions Migrants, Makers and Merchandise This exhibition, that ran from May to August, 2021 in the Cairns Museum Temporary Exhibitions gallery, showcased the colourful, creative and original hand printed merchandise of...