Take a drive down memory lane with State Library Queensland’s new Summer exhibition, Driven: every car has a story.
The nostalgia-fuelled exhibition celebrates our connection to cars from the first trip home in a baby capsule to school formals, beloved first cars, weddings, and even our final ride in a hearse.
“Driven explores the role cars play in life’s unforgettable moments on the open road or off the beaten track,” said State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM. “The exhibition showcases rare treasures from our unique collection, revealing how cars have transformed the lives of Queenslanders across generations.”
“From First Nations songlines to forgotten road signs, from petrol stations to home movies, this exhibition takes audiences on a unique journey through Queensland’s motoring history.”
Audiences will be given the keys to an extraordinary collection of historic motoring memorabilia, rare home movies, amazing art and hands-on family fun.
Embrace car culture through an eye-catching display of artworks loaned from across the state, including an inflatable car by renowned Queensland artist Robert Moore, and a large display of historic and contemporary licence plates.
Exhibition highlights include: a 1980s arcade-style driving test game, road signs, Refidexes, bumper stickers and other memorabilia, an artist’s version of racing legend’s Dick Johnson’s helmet, treasures from RACQ’s archives, and artworks from Ben Quilty, Michael Zavros and more…
“This free exhibition shares stories about our everyday motoring moments – as front seat and back seat drivers – and invites us to appreciate cars as inspiration for artists, designers, motoring and sports fans,” said Minister for Education and the Arts, The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP.
“Cars have a distinct place in Queensland’s contemporary social history from flash car culture to family holidays, and Driven invites Queenslanders to explore these connections through entertaining activities and an impressive collection of artwork and ephemera.”
Driven: every car has a story
State Library of Queensland, Cultural Centre, South Bank
Exhibition continues to 8 February 2026
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.slq.qld.gov.au for details.
Images: Touring cars at Lakeside International Raceway, about 1975 – photo by Greg Langridge | Road safety poster, Bring them back alive, circa 1939-1957 – courtesy of Queensland State Archives