The museum design is subtle yet striking; a diagonal bulkhead positioned for sweeping views across the sea cleverly blends tallowwood and aluminium walls, hardwood timber floors and strategically positioned windows to create a sense of transparency and enhance connection to the site. Inside the museum, contrasting black and white boxes, ceiling partitions and walls play with visitors’ perception of scale and depth while simple finishes, muted shades and natural timbers enhance the exhibits.

The museum’s permanent exhibition focuses on explorer Matthew Flinders, artist Ian Fairweather and the area’s aquatic life. The travelling show, Summer Past, is a photographic journey through Australia’s “pre-sunscreen summer lifestyle” of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said the museum’s opening marks a new era in tourism for the island which would benefit the local community: "Bribie Island's Seaside Museum, with its unrivalled position on the magnificent Pumicestone passage, is set to become a tourist attraction in its own right with obvious benefits for local businesses on the island.” *

The State Government contributed $1 million towards this project through its Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program.

*source: bayjournal.com.au

Above: Cutting the ribbon (Cr Gary Parsons - Bribie Island Councillor; Allan Sutherland - Mayor Moreton Bay Regional Council; Carryn Sullivan MP - Member for Pumicestone; and Allan Baptist - Curator of Bribie Island Seaside Museum) and the exhibits on display.