Meet me at the Paragon explores how the creation of American-style cafes enabled Greek migrants of the early to mid-1900s to carve out a new life in a foreign land. These establishments, like Dalby’s famous Paragon Café, became the social hubs of their communities; the McDonald’s of their day.

Imagine the tastes, experience the atmosphere and retrace the history of Queensland’s Greek cafes by learning the past and present true stories of the families that ran them in this fascinating exhibition.

The exhibition experience:

Step back in time as you slide into a replica café booth to browse the ‘menus’ of Greek cafés throughout Queensland and appreciate the architectural installation reminiscent of Kingaroy’s Busy Bee Café.

Hear the ‘daily opera’ of coffee machines, the clatter of cutlery and the general café hubbub in a special soundscape.

View photographic portraits of Greek café descendants and connect with their stories.

See original items from cafés across Queensland including original café signs, anodised milkshake cups, monogrammed plates, menus and other memorabilia.

Reflect on the stories of Greek migrants and how their cafés changed Australian dining and cuisine forever.