The Precious exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane (MoB) on Level 3 of Brisbane City Hall is a captivating celebration of the city’s collectors and their cherished treasures. Running until autumn 2026, this free exhibition showcases over 3,000 items from over 30 public and private collections, curated by Dr Sarah Engledow. From Mikey Hilburger’s array of axes to Tony Albert’s “Aboriginalia” and delicate embroidery from the Embroiderers’ Guild Queensland, the display spans a vast range of curiosities—textiles, tin toys, model ships, and even Queensland rugby league memorabilia—offering a glimpse into the personal stories and passions of Brisbane’s collectors.
The exhibition’s design enhances its appeal with well-crafted display cases and descriptive panels that make it accessible for all ages. Items like Judy Noble’s owl collection are thoughtfully placed at a child’s eye level, ensuring a family-friendly experience. At the same time, the sheer variety—from antique beaded purses to scientific glassware from the University of Queensland—keeps visitors engaged. Precious highlights the objects and the human stories behind them, revealing how collecting reflects culture, family, and tradition in Brisbane, a city on the cusp of major urban transformation with projects like the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.
MoB’s CEO, Zoe Graham, emphasizes that Precious celebrates the deeply personal nature of collecting, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore these treasures and their narratives. The exhibition, which took two years to curate, marks the first time these collections have been brought together, offering a unique lens on Brisbane’s evolving identity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, Precious provides a rich, immersive experience that underscores the fundamental human desire to seek out and care for objects that tell a story.
