Dearly Departed: death in life thematic tour

Themes and special guests will be announced soon.

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.

The exhibition examines the social, cultural, spiritual, historical and political forces that have shaped Queenslanders’ experiences and attitudes toward death and dying – then and now.

Join us as we rediscover how confronting death helps us better understand life itself.

Where: Meet at the entrance to slq Gallery, level 2, State Library of Queensland.

Please note: There is no need to bring a printed ticket, instead when you arrive your name will be checked off on a registration list. The exhibition is accessible, but should you have any questions please contact [email protected].
Content note: Dearly Departed: death in life and engages with themes of death, dying, memory and remembrance. Content may include personal stories, imagery, sound or discussion that some people may find emotionally affecting. You’re welcome to participate at your own pace and to step away or take a break at any time.

Some events may also include references to, or recordings of, people who have since passed, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Image: Ravenswood Cemetery, Ravenswood, 1966, Richard Stringer (b.1936–), 33218 Richard Stringer Architectural Photography Archive, John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image 0805.

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Host or Publisher State Library of Queensland