Discover Brisbane’s dark history as Museum of Brisbane reveals personal stories from the city’s convict settlement.
Life in Irons: Brisbane’s Convict Stories is a vivid insight into daily existence in the Moreton Bay penal colony from 1825 to 1839, running at the Museum until Sunday 28 October. Combining original documents, new research and personal accounts with immersive technologies, the exhibit comes alive, literally giving a voice and face to the past. The museum’s partnership with Queensland State Archives gives inquisitive locals access to previously rarely seen original documents. Life in Irons conveys the brutality and isolation of life for the 3000 men and women imprisoned. It also explores the impact on Brisbane’s traditional owners.
Whimsical Australian illustrator Megan McKean has brought her light touch to Brisbane to create Bristopia, running until Sunday 14 October. In her largest artwork commission to date, Megan has created a six metre wide illustration of the Brisbane skyline, which is brought to life with animation to reveal quirky facts about some of the city’s favourite landmarks. Megan’s signature style of bright colours, strong line work and hidden details within the artwork perfectly matches Brisbane’s naturally bold colour palette and casual lifestyle. Fully interactive touch screens allow visitors to create their own Bristopia using Megan’s illustrated components, such as Queenslanders, parks, libraries, CityCats and jacaranda trees — even the bush turkey has been included!
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