Museum of Brisbane

Overview

The Museum of Brisbane is a free civic museum located on Level 3 of Brisbane City Hall, dedicated to telling the city's social, architectural, and cultural stories. Its exhibitions rotate regularly, blending contemporary art with local history.

Highlights

• Clock Tower tour: Free guided tours take visitors inside the 1930 City Hall clock tower for sweeping views of the CBD.
• Rotating exhibitions: Past shows have explored Brisbane's mid-century architecture, music scene, and migrant communities.
• City Hall architecture: The City Hall itself is a heritage masterpiece with an auditorium modelled on the Pantheon in Rome.

History

Brisbane City Hall was built between 1920 and 1930 and was the tallest building in Brisbane until 1967. The museum was established in 2003 following a ten-year restoration of the building.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The clock tower tours are free but limited to eight people — book online in advance.
• Tip 2: Visit on a Monday when other South Bank museums are busier.
• Duration: 45 minutes–1 hour.