The Cairns Museum, located at 93-105 Lake Street in Cairns City, Queensland, Australia, is a heritage-listed former school of arts known as the Cairns School of Arts. This historic building has been transformed into a museum that showcases the local history of Cairns and its surrounding region.
The Cairns Museum is operated by the Cairns Historical Society, a group dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the Cairns region. The museum offers a unique insight into the area's past, making it a valuable resource for both locals and tourists alike.
The Cairns Museum is housed in a two-storey concrete building that was erected in 1907. This building served as the new premises for the Cairns School of Arts, replacing an earlier building located nearby on Shields Street. The structure's historic architecture adds to the museum's charm and appeal.
History & Anthropology Ethnology
Monday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
Sunday | Closed |
Cairns School of Arts building, Cnr Lake and Shields St, 93/105 Lake St, Cairns
No exhibitions in Cairns Museum have been found.
Cairns Museum has 1 rating.
The Cairns Museum offers visitors an informative look into the history and culture of Cairns and Far North Queensland. Located in the heart of the city, the museum is housed in a restored heritage building, which adds to its charm. Exhibits cover various aspects of local history, including indigenous culture, early European settlement, and the development of industries like mining and tourism.
Many visitors appreciate the well-organized displays and interactive elements that bring the region's past to life. The museum provides a good overview of Cairns' transformation from a small frontier town to a modern tourist destination. Highlights often mentioned include the sections on cyclones, which are significant to the area's history, and the displays on World War II's impact on Cairns.
While generally well-received, some reviewers note that the museum is relatively small and can be thoroughly explored in about an hour or two. A few visitors have mentioned that they would have liked to see more depth in certain exhibits or more frequent rotations of temporary displays.
The staff are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall experience for many guests. The museum shop, though small, offers a selection of local books and souvenirs that many find interesting.
For its size and content, the entry fee is generally considered reasonable, especially given the air-conditioned comfort it provides on hot tropical days. While it may not be a full-day attraction, the Cairns Museum is generally regarded as a worthwhile stop for those interested in learning about the area's rich history and cultural heritage.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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