EXHIBITIONS: LIVING IN THE TROPICS

Gallery 1: A timeline of Cairns from its Aboriginal Traditional Owners to the dynamic modern city of today
Gallery 2: 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: Cairns in transition from small tropical port to tourist hot spot
Still Life Comes Alive
Experience Cairns’ rich history through contemporary still life art at Cairns Museum’s collaborative exhibit with Cairns Art Society. From 3 November 2023 to 9 March 2024.
50 Treasures Revisited
Explore the rich history of James Cook University through a selection of treasures, showcased in a captivating exhibition. From 24 June to 28 October 2023.
Growing up in the Tropics
Growing up in the tropics is a unique experience. We piece together four categories of children’s lives — playing, learning, getting around, and resilience in this exhibition. From 3 March to 17 June 2023.
Beach Couture: A Haute Mess
We don’t know what will remain of us centuries from now but one thing is certain: there will be plastic, lots of plastic. Beach Couture: A Haute Mess from 18 November 2022 to 23 February 2023.
Sihot’e Nioge
Independent curator Joan G Winter is a passionate advocate for the artists and art of the Omie people of Oro Province, Papua New Guinea
Rediscovering Buk Ti
Curator Dr Sandi Robb had no idea what she was about to discover when the Ingham Family History Association asked for her advice on creating “a little display” ..
Cairns Over Time
Here you will find the story of Cairns told through the lives of locals, including Cairns Traditional Owners. It’s the tales of our city – the good, the bad and the downright troppo.
Old Cairns
Swamps, sweat and sugar. How a port town was imposed on a steamy tropical landscape and the industries that made it prosper.
Living in the Tropics
Hang out with the locals – including the unwelcome ones! A playful look at what makes life different in the tropical climate.
Changing Cairns
The transformation of a small tropical port to an international tourist city. How travellers have found their way here and how locals have changed their town.
School of Arts
Step back into a recreation of the 1907 School of Arts, with its curious collections and photo tables for exploration.
Anzac Day WWI Tribute
As an Anzac Day tribute we are displaying a small selection of WorldWar I photos from the Cairns Historical Society collection. Lest we forget.
The Trouble with Parting
Have you ever donated something to a museum? Had it been in your family for ages and did you feel too guilty to throw it out?
Percy Trezise
‘Percy Trezise: the man who loved Cape York Peninsula’ examines the life and legacy of a man whose name was synonymous with Cape York Peninsula for over 30 years.
Reef Productions
‘Reef Productions: migrants, makers and merchandise’ featured in the Cairns Museum’s Temporary Gallery from May to August, 2021.