About the exhibition
Death is a universal experience. It will come to us all. Yet the way we confront, discuss, experience and ultimately reckon with death, and the realities of dying, varies enormously. Culturally diverse traditions and practices around death offer unique insights into how communities around the world honour and mourn their loved ones, shaping vastly different experiences and understandings of life’s final chapter.
Throughout the 20th century, death became a quiet taboo; something rarely spoken of, despite touching every life. Positioned at the powerful intersection of history, art and emotion, Dearly Departed encourages audiences to reflect on what it means to live well, die well and honour those who came before us. It reframes death not as an ending, but as a profound and enduring part of Queensland’s living story.
Innovative, accessible, and deeply human, Dearly Departed: death in life invites visitors into a bold exploration of mortality across Queensland’s past, present and future. Through rich historical insight, evocative artistic interpretation and interactive design, the exhibition sparks meaningful conversation about life, death and the memories we hold.
Drawing on the State Library’s rich collections of objects and stories, the exhibition explores how social, cultural, spiritual, historical and political forces have shaped Queenslanders’ attitudes to death and dying – then and now.
Join us as we rediscover how confronting death helps us better understand life itself.
Content note
This exhibition features images, videos, and objects associated with death and dying. These can evoke emotions, memories, or personal reflections. Visitors are encouraged to move through the space at their own pace and to take breaks whenever needed. This exhibition contains photographs, videos and recordings of people who have since passed, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Free exhibition
Until 23 August 2026
9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday
slq Gallery, level 2
Discover the key themes and ideas from the Dearly Departed: death in life exhibition.
This resource provides practical guidance and key information to help teachers frame the experience for students.
State Library librarian introduces the mourning ring and explains its significance.
A moving look at tradition, community, and remembrance.
A quiet but powerful story about illness, care, and life at the fringes of Queensland’s early hospitals.
Honouring the lives and legacies of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander soldiers through family memory and community storytelling.
The Best Death: How to Die Well
The Will Kit: Create Your Own Legally Effective Will
Memento Mori: The Dead Among Us
From Here To Eternity
The Buried Life
Learn about family history resources to help you discover your ancestors.
Inquests conducted by the coroner to gather information about the cause and circumstances of a death.
The Dangerous Women podcast tells the story of five women who have challenged the status quo.