From grub to grand opening
The ant-icipation is over and the buzz is real ...it's time to swarm to Launceston’s latest blockbugster experience, BUGS!
On display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, BUGS is Launceston’s latest premier family fun experience – with immersive, interactive hands-on activities for all ages waiting to be explored.
Officially opening to the public on Saturday 29 November, locals are encouraged to head on down to QVMAG and make the most of the bug-tastic day of family-fun.
In celebration of the exhibition’s grand opening, families will enjoy a day filled with fun, free activities including arts and crafts, live performances, a food and coffee van, and more!
In development for over two years, this incredible exhibition will take visitors on a journey of learning about natures hidden heroes – bugs.
From pollinating plants to breaking down waste, these fascinating creatures play vital roles in ecosystems everywhere.
Visitors will marvel at the incredible variety found in the world of bugs, from beautiful butterflies and brilliant beetles to marvellous millipedes and spectacular spiders.
These tiny wonders are the most abundant and diverse group of organisms on earth. Experts believe there are more species not yet named by science than those already described.
Through hands-on activities, games and interactive displays, visitors of the exhibition will discover amazing bug superpowers and learn to love nature’s little helpers.
City of Launceston Deputy Mayor Hugh McKenzie said the exhibition was a one-of-a-kind experience for Tasmania.
“This exhibition is an absolutely brilliant experience for Tasmanian families,” Deputy Mayor McKenzie said.
"Families will easily spend hours at QVMAG exploring the world of bugs and playing with a great range of activities.
“There’s something for all ages – whether you have a toddler to entertain, young kids with a weekend to fill, or you’re an adult exploring the Museum in your down time, you will easily lose track of time exploring this exhibition.
“The City of Launceston and QVMAG have worked hard to develop this show over the past two years, and we’re incredibly proud to now be opening the doors to this experience.
“The QVMAG team have poured countless hours of research into this exhibition through their natural sciences department to create this exhibition – it's truly one of a kind for Tasmania.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of the free family-fun opening day at QVMAG on Saturday 29 November – you won't want to miss it.”
QVMAG Senior Curator of Natural Sciences Dr Alfonsina Arriaga Jiménez said the exhibition was buzzing with fun just waiting to be explored.
“We’ve had such a great time developing this exhibition, and it’s incredible to now see it ready for opening for our visitors to enjoy,” Arriaga Jiménez said.
"This exhibition has taken a team of diverse and interdisciplinary experts across QVMAG to see it go from concept to delivery – from in-depth research, exhibition designers and construction teams, graphic designers, custom IT solutions, and so much more, it's been an incredible experience.
“Visitors will be invited to learn through play and discovery – to get hands-on, curious, and creative as they explore the world of bugs. With interactive displays, playful challenges, and opportunities to see these tiny creatures up close, the exhibition encourages children and adults alike to appreciate insects and arthropods in fun and engaging ways.”
BUGS officially opens to the public on Saturday 29 November at the Museum at Inveresk (2 Invermay Road) from 10am, with free entry.
For more information, visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/BUGS
Issued 28 November 2025.