The Old Museum

Consultation has concluded

The Old Museum is a Brisbane icon with a rich history and a special place in the community’s heart. It is one of the state’s most iconic buildings and was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

The Old Museum has been a cultural epicentre since it was built in 1891 and has spent more than half of its 125 years as an exhibition and concert hall. Today, it is used by the Queensland Youth Orchestra, along with many other music and arts organisations.

Aerial photograph of the Old Museum showing the building and site. Credit – Blight Rayner Architecture.


Old Museum building

The Old Museum is one of Queensland’s most loved heritage buildings, incorporating an exhibition hall, concert hall, basement with office and storage space.


Old Museum site

The Old Museum is approximately 15,000m2 / four acres including a series of historic garden and lawn space. The site borders the Royal International Convention Centre, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Bridge Road and the Queensland Rail Exhibition Line.


Preserving the Old Museum

Because the Old Museum needs significant repairs, it has an impact on the building’s current utilisation and is gradually diminishing its heritage value. The Department of Energy and Public Works has identified the need for significant capital works to conserve the building and maximise the use of all its spaces, including the broader site upon which it is located.

A business case is currently being developed to investigate ways to protect, preserve, celebrate and enhance the Old Museum.


Have your say

You can have your say in two ways:

1. Complete the survey to tell us how you are connected to and use the Old Museum.

2. Share your ideas for the future of the Old Museum.

Scroll down to the tabs below (survey and ideas) to participate in the community visioning activities.

Thank you for contributing to the development of the business case and identification of potential future use of the Old Museum.


The history of the Old Museum

YearActivity
1897Constructed as an exhibition building accommodating Queensland's earliest international exhibition in 1897 and for the Ekka

Separate Concert Hall construction to provide income base
1890sEconomic depression caused building to be transferred to Queensland Government in late 1890s
1930Concert Hall continued to be the major Brisbane venue for live concerts until Brisbane Hall, complete in 1930
1974In 1930, Concert Hall was transformed into the Queensland Art Gallery and occupied the space until 1974
1901Exhibition Hall converted to house the Queensland Museum in 1901 serving as such for 86 years
1989Queensland Youth Orchestra relocated its operations to Old Queensland Museum


Image library and photo credit: Blight Rayner Architecture.

The Old Museum is a Brisbane icon with a rich history and a special place in the community’s heart. It is one of the state’s most iconic buildings and was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

The Old Museum has been a cultural epicentre since it was built in 1891 and has spent more than half of its 125 years as an exhibition and concert hall. Today, it is used by the Queensland Youth Orchestra, along with many other music and arts organisations.

Aerial photograph of the Old Museum showing the building and site. Credit – Blight Rayner Architecture.


Old Museum building

The Old Museum is one of Queensland’s most loved heritage buildings, incorporating an exhibition hall, concert hall, basement with office and storage space.


Old Museum site

The Old Museum is approximately 15,000m2 / four acres including a series of historic garden and lawn space. The site borders the Royal International Convention Centre, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Bridge Road and the Queensland Rail Exhibition Line.


Preserving the Old Museum

Because the Old Museum needs significant repairs, it has an impact on the building’s current utilisation and is gradually diminishing its heritage value. The Department of Energy and Public Works has identified the need for significant capital works to conserve the building and maximise the use of all its spaces, including the broader site upon which it is located.

A business case is currently being developed to investigate ways to protect, preserve, celebrate and enhance the Old Museum.


Have your say

You can have your say in two ways:

1. Complete the survey to tell us how you are connected to and use the Old Museum.

2. Share your ideas for the future of the Old Museum.

Scroll down to the tabs below (survey and ideas) to participate in the community visioning activities.

Thank you for contributing to the development of the business case and identification of potential future use of the Old Museum.


The history of the Old Museum

YearActivity
1897Constructed as an exhibition building accommodating Queensland's earliest international exhibition in 1897 and for the Ekka

Separate Concert Hall construction to provide income base
1890sEconomic depression caused building to be transferred to Queensland Government in late 1890s
1930Concert Hall continued to be the major Brisbane venue for live concerts until Brisbane Hall, complete in 1930
1974In 1930, Concert Hall was transformed into the Queensland Art Gallery and occupied the space until 1974
1901Exhibition Hall converted to house the Queensland Museum in 1901 serving as such for 86 years
1989Queensland Youth Orchestra relocated its operations to Old Queensland Museum


Image library and photo credit: Blight Rayner Architecture.

  • My connection to the Old Museum

    The Old Museum holds a special place in the community’s heart. Since its construction in 1891, it has been a home of the arts and culture. The venue also provides a unique heritage background and has hosted a range of events such as corporate meetings, markets, gala dinners and weddings.

    You’re invited to complete the past and present users survey. Survey responses will provide greater insight to the use of the site and building as well as highlight any shared values and connections. 

    Consultation has concluded

  • Contact us

    If you have a question or feedback for the team, complete the contact form and let us know.

    You can choose if you want us to follow up with you by email or phone. If you select email, a copy of this form entry will also be sent to you.

    Consultation has concluded