Showcasing a stunning assemblage of more than 3,000 items generously loaned from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors, the Museum of Brisbane presents a new major exhibition, Precious.
With many on public display for the first time, Precious offers an exhilarating glimpse into the cherished collections that lie within suburban homes and buildings across Brisbane.
Honouring the dedication and expertise of enthusiasts and professional collectors, Precious reveals intriguing stories of culture, place, family and tradition, travel and trade. Rare, beautiful, and intriguing, the collections featured in Precious are as diverse as the collectors themselves, all of whom call Brisbane home or have ties to the city.
From international dolls to Queensland Rugby League memorabilia, model ships to ornamental eggs, wind-up tin toys, woven textiles from First Nations communities to rare band posters tracing Brisbane’s music scene, the vast number of objects and breadth of collections on display will pique the curiosity and imagination of all visitors.
Objects from some of the city’s most fascinating institutions such as the Embroiders’ Guild (Qld), Queensland Maritime Museum, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (Qld), sit alongside personal collections featuring antique beaded purses, self-pouring teapots, intricate picture frames, and an extraordinary selection of Aboriginalia from the personal collection of one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists, Tony Albert.
These lovingly gathered curiosities will be complemented with remarkable pieces from Museum of Brisbane’s own prized collections, including fashion designs from the much-loved Easton Pearson Archive and other treasures of the city.
Exhibition Curator, Dr Sarah Engledow, says Precious offers a tantalising peek into the hidden world of collectors of Brisbane. For their combined knowledge and generosity, she says, lenders to the exhibition should be regarded as treasures of the city themselves.
“This is an exhibition of objects, designed to astound visitors of all kinds through its sheer scale and variety. But it’s really an exhibition about people and the stories told through the objects they seek out and cherish,” said Dr Engledow.
“Precious marks the first time these collections have been brought together and it has been a fascinating process of discovery to curate this show.”
Museum of Brisbane CEO & Director Zoe Graham said Precious celebrates the deeply personal nature of collecting and reminds us of the fundamental interest we have in seeking out and caring for objects.
“This exhibition invites us to reflect on the things we hold dear, the memories we preserve through objects, and the excitement of discovering something new,” said Ms Graham. “It’s a testament to how objects, while often seemingly ordinary, can hold extraordinary meaning in the lives of those who collect them.”
Each object on display tells a unique story, from the cherished finds in local homes to the rare treasures that speak to a collector’s dedication and passion. We are proud to bring these treasures into the spotlight for locals and visitors alike to explore in this astounding exhibition,” said Ms Graham.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Precious exhibition would be one of the largest collections presented at Museum of Brisbane in its 20-year history. “Museum of Brisbane tells the story of our city through free exhibitions and programs residents and visitors can enjoy all year round,” said Cr Schrinner.
“This exciting collection will feature thousands of amazing objects from residents and institutions who have a deep knowledge of their chosen area, and who are passionate about sharing their Brisbane experience with others.”
“The exhibition is part of Museum of Brisbane’s exciting 2025 program which brings more to see and do to the CBD. We encourage everyone to come and experience this incredible collection in person and celebrate the fantastic lifestyle we enjoy here in Brisbane,” said Cr Schrinner.
Precious
Museum of Brisbane – Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane
Exhibition continues to Autumn 2026
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.museumofbrisbane.com.au for details.
Images: Music Posters on display in Precious at the Museum of Brisbane – photo by Claudia Baxter | Dr Sarah Engledow – Exhibition Curator of Precious at Museum of Brisbane – photo by Claudia Baxter | Metal Toys on display in Precious at the Museum of Brisbane – photo by Claudia Baxter