Driven: every car has a story

Take a drive down memory lane with State Library's fabulous free summer experience, Driven: every car has a story, from 6 December to 8 February, 2026.

The nostalgia-fuelled exhibition celebrates our connection to cars from the first trip home in a baby capsule to school formals, beloved first cars, weddings, and even our final ride in a hearse.

Audiences will be given the keys to an extraordinary collection of historic motoring memorabilia, rare home movies, amazing art and hands-on family fun.

Exhibition highlights include:

• a life-sized inflatable car by artist Robert Moore 

• a 1980s arcade-style driving test game 

• classic and contemporary number plates, including the second ever in Queensland 

• road signs, Refidexes, bumper stickers and other memorabilia 

• artworks from Ben Quilty, Michael Zavros and more 

• artist’s version of racing legend's Dick Johnson’s helmet 

• treasures from RACQ’s archives

From First Nations songlines to forgotten road signs, from petrol stations to home movies, this not-to-be-missed exhibition will take you on a unique journey through Queensland’s motoring history!

State Library of Queensland is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com

Image captions & credits - 1 to 6:

1. Graphic based on Jowett Javelin automobile, photograph by Jones, W. A. (William Arthur), 31557 W A Jones & Co photographs, State Library of Queensland

2. Family holidays in a 1936 Dodge with compact caravan- credit: State Library of Queensland

3. First car in Mossman, Queensland, decorated for the 1919 Victory Parade - credit: State Library of Queensland

4. Road safety poster- Bring them back alive, circa 1939-1957- credit: Queensland State Archives

5. Touring cars at Lakeside International Raceway, about 1975 -photo credit: Greg Langridge