Discover the stories of Cairns 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.
Summer Holiday Activities
Tuesday 6 & Tuesday 13 January 2026
Join us at Cairns Museum these school holidays for a creative, nature-inspired workshop.
Kids will use leaves, twigs and other treasures from nature to create imaginative artworks, turning simple shapes into people, animals or anything their imagination dreams up. It’s hands-on, fun and a great way to explore creativity.
Parent supervision required
$7 or free for Members
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 year-long community history program, supported by Cairns Regional Council, featuring exhibitions, talks and local storytelling across the city.
The C150 program brings together diverse perspectives on Cairns’ past, present and future, with activities unfolding throughout the year.
CURRENT EXHIBITION
Yirrganydji: Saltwater Art
Until 1 March 2026
Created and curated by Yirrganydji artist, elder and Traditional Owner Patricia Singleton, this major exhibition shares stories of Country, family and cultural responsibility drawn from lived experience and family history.
Bringing together new works created specifically for this exhibition alongside selected works from across her practice, it forms part of the Cairns Historical Society’s C150 program and is one of the first exhibitions to mark Cairns’ 150th year.
We're keeping the social history of Cairns alive for future generations.
The Cairns Historical Society cares for one of Far North Queensland’s most significant social history collections, spanning photographs, documents, objects and personal records from across the region. These collections underpin the stories shared in the Museum and help preserve everyday experiences, community memory and local knowledge for future generations.
For those wanting to explore further, the Research Centre provides access to this material and supports personal, academic and family history research. By appointment or enquiry, visitors can work with experienced staff and volunteers to uncover stories connected to Cairns and the wider region.
Events & News
- All
- Museum News
- Museum Events
Cairns Historical Society 2025 AGM and Awards
The Cairns Historical Society’s 2025 Annual General Meeting brought together members, volunteers and local historians to celebrate another year of preserving Far North Queensland’s history. Read More
Arrows and bows in Han Mak Belong Tumbuna
Step into Han Mak Belong Tumbuna: Made by the Hands of the Ancestors and you’ll find a striking display of arrows and bows drawn from Read More
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.
More news & events
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!
