About Queensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is Queensland's state art gallery located in the Queensland Cultural Centre at Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Brisbane. Established in 1895 and relocated to its current purpose-built building in 1982, it forms part of Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). It is notable for its extensive collection of Australian art, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works, Asian and Pacific art, and international holdings displayed in permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large, modern gallery building within the Queensland Cultural Centre precinct on the Brisbane River at South Bank. Inside are spacious, naturally lit galleries displaying the permanent collection of Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Asian, Pacific and international art, alongside rotating temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore curated gallery rooms, sculpture areas, a dedicated children's art centre, and public spaces with river and parkland views. The experience is primarily self-guided viewing with optional guided tours, talks and programs.
Key highlights
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Extensive collection of Australian art including historical and contemporary works
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Significant holdings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art
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Asian and Pacific art collections
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Rotating temporary exhibitions and international touring shows
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Children's Art Centre with interactive programs
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Location within Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank overlooking the Brisbane River
History of Queensland Art Gallery
Established in 1895 as the Queensland National Art Gallery, the gallery was originally housed in Brisbane's Town Hall and later in various city locations. The current purpose-built Queensland Art Gallery building in the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Brisbane, designed by architect Robin Gibson, opened in 1982. In 2006 the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) opened adjacent to it, and the two operate as a single institution, Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
Culture & Context
As Queensland's premier state art institution, it holds and presents one of Australia's most significant public art collections, with a strong focus on Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and art of Asia and the Pacific, reflecting Queensland's geographic and cultural connections. It plays a central role in the state's cultural life through exhibitions, the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, and education programs.