Explore, discover and connect with these sensory-friendly and accessible events at Queensland Museum Kurilpa
Queensland Museum Kurilpa is celebrating curiosity and inclusion with a line-up of accessible and sensory-friendly events designed to make discovery a joy for everyone. From science after dark to peaceful low-sensory mornings, here’s a rundown of upcoming events, exhibitions and one-off sessions that ensure all visitors can connect, discover and explore.
On Friday November 14, SparkLab will host Science Night – Saving the Planet with the Bee Man, an adults-only evening with environmental educator and native bee expert Clancy Lester. Guests will explore the vital role of native pollinators and urban biodiversity, while enjoying SparkLab after dark. During the event, an Auslan interpreter will be on hand to ensure full accessibility for d/Deaf visitors.
On Saturday November 22, Sensory Friendly Morning will create a calmer, more inclusive experience across the museum’s paid exhibitions – SparkLab and Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends. Designed for guests on the autism spectrum and anyone who prefers a quieter experience, the session runs from 8:15 am to 10:00 am with an earlier opening time and reduced visitor numbers. For both exhibitions, lighting effects will be dimmed, audio turned off and areas of higher sensory stimulation clearly signposted to help guests navigate comfortably. Sensory kits and noise-cancelling headphones will be available, and specially trained staff will be on hand throughout the morning to assist and ensure a welcoming experience for all.
The free Auslan Interpreted Highlights Tour offers visitors a chance to explore Queensland Museum’s most fascinating exhibits, from prehistoric fossils to modern innovations and stories from First Nations peoples. Led by specialist museum guides and accompanied by an Auslan interpreter for d/Deaf visitors, the tour provides an engaging and inclusive way to experience the museum’s vast collection. The next tour takes place on Saturday November 29, giving guests the opportunity to uncover the wonders and stories that have shaped Queensland.
You might like
On Saturday December 13, nature takes centre stage with the Wild State Sensory Tour led by the museum’s own Michael Tervo. Also accompanied by an Auslan interpreter, this immersive experience invites participants to explore Queensland’s diverse environments through touch, sound and texture – bringing forests, deserts and reefs vividly to life.
Queensland Museum proudly supports the Hidden Disability Sunflower Initiative, which allows people with non-visible disabilities – such as autism, epilepsy, anxiety and PTSD – to wear a sunflower lanyard that discreetly signals they may need additional time, support or understanding. Noise-cancelling headphones and sensory kits are available on request for all tours and exhibitions, and assistive listening devices, including headphones and neck loops, can be used.
For more details and to book into the upcoming sessions, head to the Queensland Museum website.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at Queensland Museum.