Museum of Brisbane’s new major exhibition Precious showcases a stunning assemblage of more than 3000 items generously loaned from around 30 remarkable collections and collectors. 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. 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.
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.
Exhibition curator Dr Sarah Engledow says Precious offers a tantalising peek into the hidden world of collectors of Brisbane. “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. Precious marks the first time these collections have been brought together and it has been a fascinating process of discovery to curate this show.”
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,” Cr Schrinner said. “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.”
Precious is on exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane in the City Hall until Autumn 2026. Entry is free. The exhibition is open 10am to 5pm daily.
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