Originally known as the Darnell Collection, The University of Queensland Art Collection began in the 1940s as the result of a generous financial bequest by John Darnell. While funds were originally applied to endow a special library collection, the University redirected the remainder of these funds towards establishing a Fine Art Library. Dr JV Duhig, Professor RP Cummings and Professor HC Richards, assisted by a group of artists and advisors, within a few years assembled a collection of some 400 works. At the time, The University of Queensland did not have an art museum, and the collection was hung in the main geology lab at the University's original home in George Street. The inaugural exhibition of the collection was held in 1945 in George Street. Just over 30 years later, in 1976, the University Art Museum was established in the Forgan Smith Tower on the St Lucia campus. The first director of the Art Museum, and head of the Department of Fine Arts, was Nancy Underhill (later Associate Professor Underhill). Her focus was to acquire works by leading contemporary artists with a bias towards Queensland artists. Underhill was passionate about encouraging her students to use the museum as a ‘laboratory’, enabling them to learn a range of curatorial skills. Underhill was succeeded in 1996 by Ross Searle, who oversaw the Art Museum’s move in 2004 from the Forgan Smith Tower to its present site. Searle also implemented the Art Museum’s development of a National Collection of Artists’ Self Portraits and a bi-annual self-portraiture prize. Over the years, the Collection has grown significantly, and by the time Searle departed in 2007, it numbered over 4000 pieces. The University of Queensland Art Museum – under the directorship of Mr Nick Mitzevich and now Dr Campbell B Gray, has continued to acquire the work of important Queensland and Australian contemporary artists, and to encourage gifts and bequests. In keeping with its role as a university art museum, a range of exhibitions and public programs, and scholarly publications, are initiated, which explore contemporary and historical visual art and culture.

The art museum, located within UQ St. Lucia Campus Building 11, known as the 'James & Mary Emelia Mayne Centre,' offers a unique cultural experience. I've had the chance to explore it once, and here's what I found: Upon entry, visitors are required to store their bags at the front desk, ensuring a clutter-free and respectful environment inside. The museum's offerings can vary widely depending on the current exhibition. While this variability keeps things fresh and exciting, it's worth noting that the experience is free, so there's no financial risk. However, it's advisable to check their opening hours in advance since they often dedicate considerable time to prepare for exhibitions. One potential improvement could be the introduction of an online platform to provide real-time information on whether the museum is open or closed for the day. This would enhance visitor convenience and ensure a more seamless experience. In summary, the art museum at UQ St. Lucia Campus is a valuable cultural resource. While its offerings may vary, the free admission and unique exhibitions make it a worthwhile visit for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I visited the UQ art museum on the 26 of Oct. This museum is recommended if you are a fan of history and art at the same time! People can walk around and listen to the audio or read the information which contains author ideas, inspiration and their love of Queensland history. There is a place at reception to keep your belongings safe for free and visitors do not need to buy a ticket to enter this museum. I can be sure that this museum will satisfy both your eyes and ear!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

What a brilliant find. A modernist building home to exhibitions of Australian contemporary art. Small enough to really contemplate and enjoy the artworks, large enough (three exhibition levels) to make a special visit to St Lucia just to enjoy art. And the setting - the University grounds are lovely - wide open spaces, huge old trees, and acres of it. Museum open daily 10-4 (excluding public holidays).

Bused from north bank to visit the museum of art sat 27th Aug arrived at 11am as advertised open time by the uq website. Very disappointing to find a small sign at the entrance stating "closed for staff training" We travelled from Adelaide to see this, our last advertised open day before we fly home
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

A really underrated part of the UQ campus, the art gallery has a beautiful study space and wonderful exhibits on display. Atmospheric and introspective. Plus it's normally more ambient, which I appreciate - neither loud nor deafeningly quiet.

Friendly staff and if it's quiet will go around tell you about the art work, if wanted. Great place to visit and go look at if you are into this sort of stuff or even if you have children as art does stimulate the kids mind and eyes~

Academic approach to a variety of art forms, rotating 3 shows in the space every 4-6 months. Great selection of events available through website and facebook page. Friendly staff and free coffee (when you bring your keep cup).

Its good in exploring some new art however lacks museum atmosphere and overall meaning. Could contain more art or more symbolism. But still pretty good in terms of a univerisity museum and the location.

Beautiful art museum that has free entry. Would recommend to come and visit to see some quite interesting exhibits
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very well curated indigenous visual and performing art exhibition with explanations from some of the artists and the curators. Food and drinks provided at the special event was exceptional.

Adequate does not begin to describe my experience at this brilliant museum. Friendly staff. Disagree with bag policy but only a minor set back for an otherwise fascinate display.

Good collection of art pieces here. Perfect for anyone who has an interest in art. For everyone else (people like me) , it's still worth having a look as entry is free.

Nice building that displayed a wide variety of artwork. Located in the University of Queensland St. Lucia campus, the gallery offers a 2-storey immersive experience.

Nice environment, even though I am not a fan of art work, I enjoy the visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

It took me 5 years while studying at the uni before I thought to go check this out. I'm glad I did, it had a really cool exhibit on Robert Smithson when I went.

Glad there is a prominent building named for the Catholic benefactors who provided this land for UQ. Love the smiling gravestone retained after an exhibition.

It's art from the heart..the building, you will also find many birds swimming in the pool in front of the museum, and I really like the smile stone. Unique.

Medium size museum with a really nice permanent collection of art. Rotates its visiting exhibitions a few times a year, and is an impressive building.

Loved the audiovisual displays, very nice to go and relax
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The ducks that live in the pond here are very good, except the one that bites. But it's ok because she's only trying to protect her babies.

Finest representation of aboriginal culture and art.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Amazing Museum worth a visit if you're in Brisbane.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Exquisit experience. Some parts still quite young, but its character is grown and humorous, with a querious history. Bravo and thanks UQ

I found this museum a learning experience for me. I wanted to learn about University of Queensland, I found it a great place to visit

Enjoyed my visit there and especially seeing the paintings from Vida lahey and Godfrey rivers under the jacaranda. It was lovely.

Always amazing. New exhibitions regularly, some fabulous collections, a great cinema, cafe and shop. Always a great visit.

Loved Exhibition "We are electric"
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place to visit especially for art lovers but unfortunately we are not allowed to take photos in the gallery.

一共两层楼，可以自习也可以参观。体验一般，基本上都是形式主义的艺术品，艺术家通过用多种自然材料，有机的拼搭组合在一起来表达相应的人文主义精神。二楼有一间很大的画室，大部分都是古典主义油画。很接地气的museum，值得一看

Relax and enjoy sunshine
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Terribly boring building that attempts to pass useless nonsense off as "art". Dont waste your time.

Cool place, also met a nice girl that could speak mandarin, Cantonese and malay （forgot the name）

I would like to see more art on those empty walls some an abstract and minimalism art preferably.

Nice museum that is a good place to break up the day. Its also a good place for a cheap date.

Great spot to go during stressful uni days. Free exhibitions and very cool space

A fantastic space and very friendly staff. Will return for the next exhibition!

昆士兰大学艺术博物馆
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Interesting collection and approachable, knowledgeable, and helpful staff.

Free and a beautiful art museum, worth checking out if you are in St Lucia

Some interesting piece, but quite a limited selection the day I visited.

Fantastic place, well curated and showing a variety of art expressions.

Spacious gallery and museum with interesting exhibits. Never crowded

Really pretty and quite pristine. Highky recommend checking it out.

Really pretty and quite pristine. Highky recommend checking it out.

I really enjoyed the exhibition and the University environment.

The new exhibition was eye opening and the staff are wonderful

Being evil exhibition is very scary about where we are going.

Gorgeous building showcasing thought provoking works of art.

2.5 hours to read everything, again - and super cool …

A nice quiet nook at Uni, always worth going for a wander.

An oasis of modern art. The installers are lovely …

Parking is an issue - I suggest taking the ferry cat

Art museum is ace place for great exhibitions.

Super best campas, libraries and laboratories

Centro universitário de Brisbane maravilhoso.

very nice looking.building still looks new

Wonderful Place. Love it. And you will.

A must-visit place for art fanatics!

Excellence collections of fine arts

The best University in Queensland

Beautiful place and amazing art

This is a wonderful place!

I heard it was a ice place

Best place I've ever been

Small but nice and cheap

Beautiful environment

Classy and beautiful

Terrific exhibitions

Nice place to visit

An amazing space!

A romantic Campus

Ars gratis artis.

Beautiful campus.

小型museum 定期更換展覽

Jess us three

很大的學校 ，可悠閒的觀光

Good gallery

Nice museum

Good

Good