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, we’re custodians of the objects, photographs 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.

Visit Us

Plan your visit with useful information on what to do, where to find us and opening times

exhibits

Learn, play, explore and be excited at Cairns Museum with interactive, engaging and fun displays.

kids & families

Keep the kids entertained with Cairns Museum’s great range of inclusive kids and family activities.

CURRENT EXHIBITION

Politically Spruiking

5 July – 22 September 2025

Explore Far North Queensland’s political landscape through over 70 original cartoons from former MP Warren Entsch’s collection.

This exhibition offers a humorous and insightful look at the campaigns, characters, and controversies that defined Entsch’s 26-year career, highlighting issues from crocodile wrangling to marriage equality.

Winter Holiday Activities

Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 July 2025

Join us at Cairns Museum these school holidays for a fun, hands-on craft activity using recycled materials. Kids will use colourful bottle tops and other supplies to create their own unique artwork.

This simple and sustainable craft is easy to recreate at home – perfect for school holiday entertainment that doesn’t cost the earth. Turn your creations into gift tags, cards, or fridge magnets for friends and family!

Recommended for ages 5–10 (parent supervision required)
$7 or free for Members

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

historical image of two men laughing and wearing hard hats in front of wallpaper
historical image of street parade float made to look like a marlin, with women dressed in blue and silver
Visit Us
The Cairns Museum has amazing stories to share about living in the tropics.

Stories of heat, sweat and hard work. Of cane, railways, rainforests and reefs. Of White Australia, Aboriginal resistance and European isolation. Tales of tourists, hippies and local celebrations, amidst humidity, cyclones, toads, mould and mozzies.

Come in and discover the real Cairns!
two girls looking through vintage toy binoculars as part of an interactive display
wooden carriage wheel on display amongst historical images

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.