What is the Queensland Art Gallery?
The Queensland Art Gallery is the state art museum of Queensland, located in the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank, Brisbane. Together with GOMA, it forms QAGOMA.
The gallery was founded in 1895, and its current building, designed by architect Robin Gibson, opened in 1982. The building is known for its watermall, a long indoor water feature that runs through the galleries.
Its collection includes Australian art from colonial times to today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, European art and Asian and Pacific art. It holds works by artists such as Margaret Olley, Tom Roberts and Russell Drysdale.
Two galleries, one institution
In 2006 the Gallery of Modern Art opened nearby, and the two now operate as QAGOMA. The Queensland Art Gallery focuses on historical and modern collections.
Entry to the collection is free, and the gallery runs children's programs, talks and special exhibitions throughout the year. Its riverside location makes it an easy stop when visiting South Bank parklands.
The Queensland Cultural Centre, including the gallery building, is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register as an outstanding example of modernist architecture. Its low, horizontal design and use of concrete and water were meant to suit Brisbane's subtropical climate.
Did You Know?
Robin Gibson also designed the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum and the State Library buildings at South Bank.