Celebrate C150 at the Cairns Museum

    In 2026, Cairns will commemorate 150 years of shared history since colonial settlement, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history.

    Hidden away behind the valance façade on the corner of Grafton and Shield Street (opposite the Crown Hotel), lies a wonderful historic building with its double stepped parapet on the eastern end and rendered masonry parapet on the west. Wouldn’t it look great with the modern edition removed and the frontage restored Title: View down Shields Street looking towards Crown Hotel. Image Number: P28694. Photographer: unknown
    An iconic far north Queensland view, a Traveller Palm in Cairns.
    Holloways Beach Post Office 🌴 Do you remember Holloway's Beach Post Office with William Francis in the 1950s? Francis built the post office in 1951 and operated it for six years. Title: Holloways Beach Post Office Image: P31526 Photographer: Unknown

    The Cairns Museum, in partnership with the Cairns Historical Society, is committed to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of Cairns. Through engaging exhibitions and educational programs, the museum seeks to inspire, educate, and connect the community with its heritage. 

    We are planning a series of exhibitions and lectures as part of the sesquicentennial C150 celebrations. These events aim to highlight the diverse stories and achievements that have shaped the region over the past century and a half. As part of this commemorative program, we will host six unique exhibitions in our temporary gallery throughout 2026, each running for two months. 

    Alongside the exhibitions, we have an exciting program of lectures planned. From pre-settlement times to the present day, there are so many remarkable stories in Cairns, and these events will allow us to honour those narratives and recognise our ongoing history-making journey.

    Local businesses, individuals, cultural groups, and community organisations are encouraged to participate, to share their unique histories and contributions to Cairns.

    The exhibitions are designed to be culturally inclusive and historically accurate, reflecting the past, present, and future of the Cairns community. Themes include First Nations history, the evolution of local architecture and buildings, business and economic development, the multicultural fabric of Cairns, and sustainable living practices.

    Successful applicants will receive support from the Cairns Historical Society to help develop their exhibitions. This assistance includes access to the Research Centre and comprehensive marketing and promotional support, ensuring the exhibitions are a highlight of the C150 program.

    This is a significant moment for Cairns, and we want to open our doors and provide a space for community groups and local businesses to engage with the public and share their unique stories. 

    Apply to be part of C150 celebrations at the Cairns Museum

    Expressions of Interest for participating in the exhibition program are open until 4 November 2024. 

    The Cairns Historical Society encourages a broad range of applicants to submit their proposals to contribute to this historical celebration.
    Download the Expression of Interest Application Form

    Cairns Museum Temporary Gallery Ground Floor 1
    Cairns Museum Temporary Gallery Ground Floor 1
    Cairns Museum Temporary Gallery Ground Floor 1