Visiting the Abbey Art and Archeology Museum, in Caboolture, just 40 minutes from Brisbane, is like stepping back in time. The stuff inside, old and ancient, makes you think and wonder. The significance of the artifacts produces a certain reverence, almost compelling you to hold your breath so to be very, very quiet, as though listening for the whispers of voices long past. It’s nothing short of thrilling!
The Museum
The small museum is the most meticulous and comprehensively laid out museum I’ve visited. Surprisingly though, it’s REALLY child friendly too. What a delight! The displays are behind clear glass-like displays and there is space to move and browse. Our kids were just as enthralled as we were!
As you walk through the uncluttered spaces, the history comes to life in historical order. There is also a section dedicated to ancient Egypt, Israel, Greece and Persia, China, India, Japan and other ancient and classical places.
Look and Find Activity Book
The kids were given a look and find activity book to complete. It’s like a treasure hunt.
The Dig
Try and coordinate a visit to the museum when there is an archaeological dig on. Beyond fabulous! There’s nothing like getting hands on. The kids were taught basic techniques and then the digging began. My older girls (aged 8 and 10) especially loved this activity.
The Stained Glass
We had a peek inside the St Michael’s Orthodox Church, right next to the Abbey Museum. A world of colour, rich history and storytelling is inside, displaying stained glass dating back to the 13th century.
Impact on the Kids
The Abbey Museum is an experience that stays with you a long time. When my son (4) got home from the visit, he immediately looked for his knight toys to play with. It was gorgeous to see him linking items from home with the experience. My daughter (8) was enthralled with the ancient Egypt display and drew this picture. Awesome.
It’s one of those museums I will never tire of and I look forward to visiting again. There’s so much detail, history and wonder to absorb. It’s like time travel.
Open Times
10.00 am to 4.00 pm – Monday to Saturday
Phone: 07 5495 1652
Visit their website for admission pricing
Where
The Abbey Museum
1-63 The Abbey Place Caboolture QLD 4510
Links
Abbey Museum Visitor Information
Nikky
We did this on the last Dig Day, my little one (3) loved it and still talks about the museum. The staff we great in that they helped Nannie with some secret stuff so Little Miss 3 could dig up her own medieval artifact and take it home.
We had no idea of the grounds surrounding the Abbey so next time we are packing the picnic and spending the afternoon under the trees.