Carlie Wacker escapes into a world of luxury where every turn reveals the most spectacular jewellery pieces and takes a sneak peek into the history of a family considered Brisbane retail royalty. 

Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is one huge celebration of the city’s art, culture and history. The light that MoB shines on the river city and its creatives quite literally sparkles with the latest (and fourth) exhibition in this museum’s Identity Series. 

World Of Wonder is escapism at its fashionable finest – a transportation into a luxurious world where the most glorious jewels have been handcrafted into magnificent works of art. For a moment in time, we have the great honour of entering into the life and work of Australian Jewellery Designer Margot McKinney whose extraordinary pieces are a celebration of the rarest gems from around the globe. 

A long family history in luxury retail and the rarest gems and treasures make for a magical story as you wander through the Margot’s world. The family business dates back to 1884 and the exhibition shares with us some poignant and progressive moments where every piece shares a story – each story reflecting a facet of Brisbane’s history. 

Margot elevated the McKinney family name through her own jewellery brand and flagship store with one-of-a-kind pieces coveted by international clients and stocked by the prestigious Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores in the USA.

As you absorb one breathtaking design to the next, Margot shares the intimate tales and inspiration behind the work (some of her work has been known to take up to 10 years to create); we get a glimpse at how she creates masterpieces from opals, pearls and rare gems so delicately and perfectly selected from sources all over the world. There is something so earthly and grounded in this mesmerising and opulent jewellery. It really gives one a greater appreciation of the beauty this planet gifts us. 

Margot’s vision from a single stone into a glorious showpiece must be seen to be fully appreciated with some pieces taking up to ten years to complete.  

Discover Margot’s magnificent World Of Wonder until 6 November at Museum of Brisbane, daily from 10am–5pm.

World Of Wonder: Margot McKinney 

Want more? Choose one of these special tours to add extra sparkle to your experience:

World Of Wonder High Tea and Tour
11am and 2pm 13, 14, 15, 20, 22 October Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition before returning to the jewel-toned Dome Lounge for a luxurious high tea experience.

World Of Wonder: Highlights Tour
Every Wednesday 11–11.30am until 2 Nov
MoB’s guided tour offers a deeper understanding into the exhibition. 

Little Gems Tours (7–12 years old)
11am and 12.30pm until Monday 3 October.

Teen Explorers Tour (13–17 years old)
2pm Wednesday 21 + Friday 30 September

Kids and teens can explore the magic of opals, pearls and other amazing miracles of nature with an exhibition tour and hands-on activities, including designing a jewellery creation and take-home activity.

Book at www.museumofbrisbane.com.au