Brisbane Living Heritage was delighted to once again partner with Brisbane Open House to present two exclusive heritage tours over the weekend, with both events selling out well in advance. Around 50 participants joined us across the two days, with many choosing to attend both tours to experience an even broader cross-section of Brisbane’s remarkable heritage places.

Saturday’s tour showcased some of Brisbane’s most significant civic institutions. Participants enjoyed behind-the-scenes visits to the Queensland Police Museum and the Supreme Court Library Queensland, where specialist staff generously shared the fascinating stories, collections and history that are rarely accessible to the public. At the Supreme Court Library Queensland, guests were also surprised by a special visit from the Honourable Justice David Boddice, who generously gave his time to explain the workings of Queensland’s judicial system and provide a unique insight into the role of the courts. We sincerely thank Justice Boddice for sharing his knowledge and making the experience so memorable.

The afternoon continued at the State Library of Queensland, where visitors were welcomed by curator Pia Robinson at The Edge for a private tour of the current exhibition and an insight into its development and themes.

Sunday’s itinerary explored another three outstanding Brisbane Living Heritage member organisations. Guests visited the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries, the Queensland Holocaust Museum and the Commissariat Store Museum, once again enjoying exclusive tours led by the knowledgeable staff and volunteers who care for these important places and collections.

One of the great strengths of Brisbane Living Heritage’s Brisbane Open House program is the opportunity to create experiences that go beyond a traditional museum or heritage visit. By working collaboratively with our member organisations, we are able to offer intimate, specialist-led tours that connect visitors directly with the people who preserve and interpret Brisbane’s stories.

The enthusiastic response from participants, including many who attended both days, demonstrates the growing appetite for these curated heritage experiences. Brisbane Living Heritage sincerely thanks all of our member organisations and their dedicated staff and volunteers for opening their doors and sharing their expertise so generously.

As part of the Brisbane Open House weekend, Brisbane Living Heritage also collaborated with Queensland Walks to present the Democracy Manifest public walking tour through Fortitude Valley. Led by Historian Robert Allen, and inspired by the internationally recognised “Succulent Chinese Meal” video, the walk explored six locations whose history has been shaped by the people who built, owned and transformed them over the past 200 years. The tour highlighted the stories of both women and men who contributed to the Valley’s evolution, including pioneering businesswoman Kate Bragg of Bakery Lane. The tour was extremely well received and will be offered again in the near future by Queensland Walks.

Brisbane Living Heritage looks forward to creating more unique opportunities for our members and the wider community to discover Brisbane’s rich and diverse heritage throughout the year. We look forward to the stories Robert Allen will bring to them.