Queanbeyan Museum

Welcome to the Queanbeyan Museum, a captivating establishment located at Farrer Place, 10 in Queanbeyan, Australia. As an esteemed museum, point of interest, and tourist attraction, we are dedicated to sharing the compelling stories of our region and the remarkable individuals who have called it home throughout history.

At the Queanbeyan Museum, we honor and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our institution stands. We pay our respects to the elders, both past and present, and recognize the rich stories, traditions, and living cultures of our First Nations Peoples.

Our museum is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 pm to 4 pm. We are proud to offer free admission, although donations are greatly appreciated to support our ongoing efforts.

Housed within the historic Old Police Sergeant's Residence, which was built in 1876, the Queanbeyan Historical Museum stands as a testament to our vibrant past. Constructed by the renowned local builder John Kealman, this Victorian Regency-style building replaced the former police barracks and served as the Police Sergeant's Residence for nearly a century. The bricks used in its construction were meticulously crafted by Kealman himself at his nearby brickworks in Garryowen.

Situated across from Queanbeyan Park, bordering Campbell Street, our museum offers a glimpse into the bygone era of the late 19th century. The building, now owned by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, was originally part of a complex of official Government buildings, including the courthouse and post office. While these structures have been replaced by more modern counterparts, our museum stands as a testament to the enduring history of our region.

With a diverse collection of over 3,500 items, including furniture, textiles, technological objects, costumes, pictures, maps, objects, and photographs, the Queanbeyan Museum showcases the rich heritage of Queanbeyan and its surrounding district. We curate changing exhibitions, ensuring there is always something new and intriguing to discover during your visit.

One of our notable exhibits is "The Wash House," which explores the history of cleaning clothes and personal hygiene. Additionally, you can marvel at an original Both Iron Lung used during the poliomyelitis epidemic of the 1950s in Queanbeyan. Don't miss the opportunity to view a magnificent 30-meter mural depicting late 19th century Queanbeyan, a true visual masterpiece.

In addition to our regular opening hours, we also host various events throughout the year. If you are unable to visit during our standard hours, we are happy to accommodate appointments for private viewings. Please note that we are closed over Easter and during the extended Christmas holidays.

The Queanbeyan Museum was established by the Queanbeyan & District Historical Museum Society Inc. in 1969 and continues to be operated by the Society in partnership with the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council. As part of our commitment to preserving history, the Society regularly meets and publishes the historical journal, Quinbean.

If you wish to support our endeavors and stay connected with our community, we invite you to become a member of our society. Members receive a quarterly journal, ensuring they stay up to date with the latest historical insights and discoveries.

For any inquiries or to learn more about our institution, please feel free to contact us at the provided postal address. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the remarkable history of Queanbeyan with you and hope that you will visit us soon.