EXHIBITIONS: LIVING IN THE TROPICS
Showcasing the collections held by the Cairns Historic Society, Cairns Museum has four permanent galleries.
Gallery 1:Â A timeline of Cairns from its Aboriginal Traditional Owners to the dynamic modern city of today
Gallery 2:Â How Cairns was carved out of swamps and steamy jungle through hard work and industry by people from all over the world
Gallery 3: A fun look at living in the tropics – our locals come in all shapes and sizes and personalities
Gallery 4:Â Cairns in transition from small tropical port to tourist hot spot
Explore the history of tropical life at the Cairns Museum. Family friendly, air-conditioned and free wi-fi.
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Cats and Dogs – All at Sea
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October 8, 2024
Cats and Dogs — All at Sea consists of black and white photographs made by the Sydney photographer Samuel Hood who went on board countless ships between 1900 and the 1950s.
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Pioneer deaths in Cairns
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August 27, 2024
Dr Sandi Robb from the Cairns Historical Society talks about some of the interesting goings on at the Cairns Pioneer Cemetery with 'Are you dying to know?'.
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Echo of the Past
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May 21, 2024
Echo of the Past – Historical photographs from Mission Beach 1890s-1950s. Showing themes of community, sea and land, and the Djiru culture.
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Kirrenderri Learning Resources
Learners and educators are invited to engage with the Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country exhibition by utilising our learning resources.
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Kirrenderri, Heart of the Channel Country
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February 19, 2024
A visually striking and narrative rich exhibition chronicling extraordinary stories from one of the most remote locations at the very heart of Australia.
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Still Life Comes Alive, a Q&A with the Artists
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January 9, 2024
To learn more about our latest exhibition, Still Life Comes Alive, we asked three artists to share the stories and inspiration behind their creations.
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Experimenting with Pottery
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December 4, 2023
As part of our latest exhibition Still Life Comes Alive, we had a chat with Lone White about her life-long experimenting with making ceramics.
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Outstanding contributions to preserving history recognised in annual awards
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October 20, 2023
Three respected researchers have been recognised by the Society and Museum for bringing the rich and diverse stories of Far North Queensland’s history to light.
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A Successful Year for Cairns Historical Society and Museum​
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October 16, 2023
Local history is in safe hands as Cairns Historical Society celebrates 65 years and strong visitor numbers at Cairns Museum.
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Still Life Comes Alive
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October 3, 2023
Experience Cairns' rich history through contemporary still life art at Cairns Museum's collaborative exhibit with Cairns Art Society.
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Cairns Historical Society – 65 Years Strong
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October 2, 2023
Cairns Historical Society celebrate 65 years of serving as a custodian of local history and heritage.
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The Orator’s Chair – a chair not to be sat upon!
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August 28, 2023
Explore the rich history of Laurie Bragge's collection through a selection of treasures, such as the Orator’s Stool, obtained from a Iatmul – speaking Tegoi villager in 1972.
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50 Treasures Revisited – Curator’s talk
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June 12, 2023
Join Bronwyn McBurnie, Manager JCU Library Special Collections, as she shares insights into a selection of treasures on display.Â
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50 Treasures Revisited
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May 18, 2023
Explore the rich history of James Cook University through a selection of treasures, showcased in a captivating exhibition.
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Smell Pods
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May 10, 2023
Experience the smells of Far North Queensland in our exhibition Growing up in the Tropics through manmade and natural smell pods.
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George Schipke – Cairns Combined Schools Band from 1942-1945
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April 6, 2023
Read the story of George Schipke growing up in Cairns and his time in the Cairns Combined School Band in the 1940s.
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Growing up in the Tropics
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February 7, 2023
Growing up in the tropics is a unique experience. We invite you to reflect on your childhood in this new exhibition.
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