The building
The Queensland Art Gallery, which cost $19.155 million, provides over 4700 square metres of display space, and comprises 15 exhibition areas for the display of the permanent Collection and a wide range of exhibitions.
Once inside the building there is no set route to be taken. This allows the visitor to set their own pace, and at no point to have to retrace their steps.
The entrance to the Gallery opens to an expansive foyer of travertine marble from Italy.
A breathtaking view of the Watermall dominates the entrance foyer. The Watermall extends the entire length of the Gallery and runs parallel with the river, thus echoing this major feature of the Brisbane landscape. A series of six pools, the Watermall features a water display with submerged jets and two fountain systems.
The Watermall is illuminated by a 10.6 metre skylight designed to deflect the direct rays of the sun, yet fill
the area with natural light.
The Watermall physically separates the exhibition galleries, with their relaxed environment, from the administration, education and library areas. Extensive use of planting softens the rectangular outline of the building and this greenery, together with the water pools, create a tranquil atmosphere.
The Gallery building comprises:
- 61 000 tonnes of concrete
- 2000 tonnes of steel
- 1700 m2 of glass
Building facts
| Floor area | 18,000 m2 |
| Briefed area (excluding building services and allowances) | 10,940 m2 |
| Largest exhibition gallery | 600 m2 |
| Height:QAG Watermall | 10 m |
| Building authority | Department of Works |
| Builder | Graham Evans Co. (Qld) Pty Ltd |
| Architect | Robin Gibson and Partners |
| Structural engineers | R.J. McWilliam and Partners |
| Services engineers | W.E. Bassett and Partners |
| Quantity surveyors | Rider Hunt and Partners |
| Surveyors | Bennett and Francis Pty Ltd |
