Each year, Brisbane Open House invites visitors to step inside some of the city’s most intriguing buildings and institutions—offering not just access to architecture, but to stories that define Brisbane’s culture. From war-time command centres and colonial homesteads to modern museums that celebrate community, creativity, and history, this year’s line-up provides a range of cultural experiences that span perspectives.
Begin your exploration at the Museum of Brisbane (MoB), nestled inside the iconic Brisbane City Hall. More than just a museum, MoB is a living conversation with the city itself. Through exhibitions, talks, workshops, and tours—including Clock Tower and City Hall architecture tours—visitors are immersed in Brisbane’s evolving identity. From its Indigenous roots to its contemporary pulse, MoB is where art, history, and storytelling meet. Families can enjoy engaging exhibitions and interactive activities.
Just a few blocks away, history takes a wartime turn at the MacArthur Museum Brisbane, housed in the historic MacArthur Chambers. This building once served as General Douglas MacArthur’s headquarters during World War II. Today, the museum on Level 8 offers a unique glimpse into Brisbane’s role in the Pacific theatre, complete with original furnishings and rare archival material. Visitors can reflect on the city’s resilience and strategic importance while surrounded by heritage architecture and wartime memorabilia.
Down at the Queensland Police Museum, a different aspect of civic heritage unfolds. Located at Police Headquarters, this museum documents the evolution of law enforcement in Queensland. With interactive displays, historic artifacts, and even a hands-on police motorcycle photo opportunity, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Short guided tours run throughout the day, offering insight into how policing has changed—and stayed the same—over the decades.
Visit the Miegunyah House Museum, a stunning example of Victorian elegance from 1886. Managed by the Queensland Women’s Historical Association, Miegunyah offers a deeply personal experience of 19th-century domestic life. With ornate iron lacework, original furnishings, and stories of the women who preserved its history, this home offers both beauty and quiet reflection. Enjoy refreshments on the verandah and stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens as you soak up its charm.
Image: Jan Hollingsworth
For maritime enthusiasts, the Queensland Maritime Museum offers a deep dive into Brisbane’s nautical past. Explore the vast South Brisbane Dry Dock, one of the city’s most significant industrial heritage sites. Climb aboard HMAS Diamantina, walk the decks where history was made, and discover the remarkable engineering behind over 5,000 ship repairs. With exhibits ranging from submarines to sailing records, this museum tells the story of a city shaped by its river and open seas.
Newstead House—Queensland’s oldest surviving European residence— is perched above the river in Newstead Park. This beautifully restored home invites visitors to explore its rich colonial past, once home to prominent figures like Captain John Clements Wickham and George Harris. Now a house museum, Newstead House features period furnishings, elegant architecture, and stories shared by knowledgeable volunteers, offering a self-guided experience through one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage sites.
One of the city’s most historic precincts—Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill—is home to some of Brisbane’s oldest and most significant sites. The Windmill Tower, built by convicts in 1828, stands as Brisbane’s oldest surviving structure, while the atmospheric underground Spring Hill Service Reservoirs showcase the city’s earliest water supply system. Together, these landmarks offer a fascinating glimpse into Brisbane’s convict origins and early infrastructure.
Whether you’re drawn to architecture, intrigued by war stories, inspired by art, or simply curious about Brisbane’s journey through time, Brisbane Open House offers a rare opportunity to explore the many layers of the city’s identity. Each building you enter is a gateway to a different kind of culture—and a deeper understanding of the stories, people, and events that continue to shape Brisbane today.