Queensland Cultural Centre
Encyclopedia
The Queensland Cultural Centre is a multi-venue centre located at South Bank
, Brisbane
, capital city of Queensland
. It consists of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre
(QPAC), the Queensland Museum
, the State Library of Queensland
(SLQ), the Queensland Art Gallery
(QAG) and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
(GOMA).
The original part was designed by Brisbane architects Robin Gibson and Partners
and opened in 1985. In 2010, Robin Gibson and Partners were granted a "25 Year Award for Enduring Architecture" by the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).
The GOMA building designed by Kerry and Lindsay Clare
, directors of the Australasia
n firm Architectus, was added to the complex in 2006. In 2007, the building received three awards: a Brisbane Commendation and a Public Architecture Award from the Queensland Chapter of AIA; and a National Award for Public Architecture, again from AIA. Then in 2010, the Clares received the AIA's Gold Medal for their work.
In the same year, an extension of the SLQ building designed by the Brisbane architects Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp
was opened. For their design, the architects were awarded the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture by AIA in 2007.
The centre is surrounded by sub-tropical gardens which are professionally maintained and developed by The Plant Management Company and are open to the public. There are several cafés, restaurants, bookshops and other public facilities located throughout the site.
In the immediate South Bank area there are restaurants, bars, parklands, walking paths, and swimming pools, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
's new radio and television headquarters which also house the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
. With South Brisbane Railway Station
directly opposite QPAC, many major bus routes running past the centre, and water transport available along the Brisbane River
, the public has ready access to the centre. In 2009, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge called the Kurilpa Bridge was opened. It connects the Roma Street Railway Station area of Brisbane City with the centre, reaching South Bank next to GOMA and close to SLQ, QAG and the Museum.
, South Brisbane, between Peel and Melbourne Streets, close to the point where the Victoria Bridge
crossed the Brisbane River
from the city and on the site where the QAG now stands.
By mid-1952, the building had been converted for use as offices and storage facilities for film distribution companies. It burnt down in 1954 and was never rebuilt. The present Cremorne Theatre, in the QPAC building, was named in honour of the historic Cremorne Theatre. During 1972, a decision to build a new Queensland Art Gallery on its present location at South Bank
was made by the Queensland Government
. Later, during 1974, the government decided to extend this idea to a Queensland Cultural Centre which included the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Museum, as well as the Queensland Art Gallery, so that all of these institutions would be in proximity to each other, as well as being within easy reach of the Brisbane Central Business District
.
(formerly Queensland National Art Gallery), was established in 1895. The gallery has had many homes, and moved to its present location at the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank during 1982. The gallery provides 4,700 m2 of viewing space and includes a water mall, fountains, water sculptures, an outdoor area and gardens.
, which operates in association with the Queensland Art Gallery, was built at Kurilpa Point, upstream from the rest of the centre and near the William Jolly Bridge. It opened in December 2006. In addition to the display areas, it contains the Australian Cinémathèque which has two cinemas and the Children's Art Centre in which children are able to interact with the galleries collection. In 2007 a three manual 15 rank Wurlitzer
Style 260 theatre organ, Opus 2040, originally installed in the Brisbane's Regent Theatre
was restored by the Queensland Art Gallery with financial assistance from the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation and installed in the Cinémathèque Cinema 2. The instrument is now being used regularly for the presentation of silent movies and for recitals.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre
(QPAC), which is also located at South Bank, and is also part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, was opened in 1985. QPAC contains some of Brisbane's main theatres (Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Cremorne Theatre, and the Playhouse), and the Tony Gould Gallery which is operated by the Queensland Museum and displays historical material related to theatre in Queensland. In 2008, the Queensland Government closed QPAC and allocated A$34.7m for the complete refurbishment of the building under the direction of Cox Rayner Architects. The centre re-opened in 2009.
The Queensland Museum
was established in 1862, and has had many homes, including The Old Windmill (1862-1869) — Parliament House
(1869-1873) — General Post Office
(1873-1879) — followed by being based at a building on William Street
, which was later home to John Oxley Library
(1879-1899) — the Exhibition Hall, now called the Old Museum
Building (1899-1986). The Queensland Museum moved to the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank during 1986 and includes 6,500m2 of floor space. In addition to the main museum area, the building also houses the Queensland Sciencentre, a permanent interactive science exhibition suited for people of all ages. It plays an important role in educating people about new developments in the sciences.
in 1902 was established in 1896. In its history, it had many homes including a long period in a building in William Street 1899-1988 — following which it moved to its present location near the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery, as part of the Queensland Cultural Centre. The State Library was extensively renovated at its South Bank address during 2006, and reopened in December of that year. Along with the usual facilities of a library, the building contains an historical archive called the John Oxley Library, several galleries in which exhibitions are held throughout the year, lecture rooms and an Indigenous Knowledge Centre called kuril dhagun.
bridge over the Cultural Centre Busway Station. This bridge connects the Queensland Performing Arts Centre over Melbourne Street with the building containing both the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery and provides ready access to buses at the Cultural Centre Busway Station
.
South Bank, Queensland
South Bank is a cultural, educational and recreational precinct in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The precinct is located in the suburb of South Brisbane, on the southern bank of the Brisbane River.-South Bank Parklands:...
, Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
, capital city of Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. It consists of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is located on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street in Brisbane's South Bank precinct....
(QPAC), the Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland. The museum currently operates four separate campuses; at South Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Townsville.The museum is funded by the State Government of Queensland.-History:...
, the State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland is a large public library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988...
(SLQ), the Queensland Art Gallery
Queensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art Gallery is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, and is located nearest to Brisbane River at South Bank...
(QAG) and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre at the South Bank area of South Brisbane. It holds most of Queensland Art Gallery's contemporary works, while also being the joint host to the current Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art...
(GOMA).
The original part was designed by Brisbane architects Robin Gibson and Partners
Robin Gibson
Robin Gibson is an Australian architect, from Brisbane, Queensland.-Personal life:Robin Gibson was an Architecture student at the University of Queensland, and graduated with a Diploma of Architecture in 1954. During his years in university, he worked in a number of architectural offices in...
and opened in 1985. In 2010, Robin Gibson and Partners were granted a "25 Year Award for Enduring Architecture" by the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).
The GOMA building designed by Kerry and Lindsay Clare
Kerry and Lindsay Clare
Kerry Clare , and Lindsay Clare are a wife and husband duo who together are accomplished Australian architects.Kerry Clare and Lindsay Clare practiced in Queensland from 1979–1998 and New South Wales 1998–present...
, directors of the Australasia
Australasia
Australasia is a region of Oceania comprising Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term was coined by Charles de Brosses in Histoire des navigations aux terres australes...
n firm Architectus, was added to the complex in 2006. In 2007, the building received three awards: a Brisbane Commendation and a Public Architecture Award from the Queensland Chapter of AIA; and a National Award for Public Architecture, again from AIA. Then in 2010, the Clares received the AIA's Gold Medal for their work.
In the same year, an extension of the SLQ building designed by the Brisbane architects Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp
Peddle Thorp
Peddle Thorp is an architecture firm based in Melbourne that has designed many of Australia's landmark buildings. Among the buildings it has designed include: the Melbourne Aquarium, Vodafone Arena; Rod Laver Arena; Skilled Stadium; and ANZ Headquarters...
was opened. For their design, the architects were awarded the prestigious Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture by AIA in 2007.
The centre is surrounded by sub-tropical gardens which are professionally maintained and developed by The Plant Management Company and are open to the public. There are several cafés, restaurants, bookshops and other public facilities located throughout the site.
In the immediate South Bank area there are restaurants, bars, parklands, walking paths, and swimming pools, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation, commonly referred to as "the ABC" , is Australia's national public broadcaster...
's new radio and television headquarters which also house the Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra is an Australian orchestra, based principally in Brisbane in the state of Queensland.The QSO played its first concert on 26 March 1947, with the orchestra consisting of 45 musicians, conducted by Percy Code. John Farnsworth Hall was recruited from the Sydney...
, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is Australia’s most awarded venue and has been officially ranked among the world’s top three convention centres on three separate occasions....
. With South Brisbane Railway Station
South Brisbane railway station, Brisbane
South Brisbane Station is a railway station in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is part of the Queensland Rail City network and is located in Zone 1 of the TransLink integrated public transport system...
directly opposite QPAC, many major bus routes running past the centre, and water transport available along the Brisbane River
Brisbane River
The Brisbane River is the longest river in south east Queensland, Australia, and flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay. John Oxley was the first European to explore the river who named it after the Governor of New South Wales, Thomas Brisbane in 1823...
, the public has ready access to the centre. In 2009, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge called the Kurilpa Bridge was opened. It connects the Roma Street Railway Station area of Brisbane City with the centre, reaching South Bank next to GOMA and close to SLQ, QAG and the Museum.
History
The Queensland Cultural Centre is situated on the site of one of Queensland's historical theatres, the Cremorne. Originally an open-air structure with seating for about 1,800, the Cremorne Theatre was located on Stanley StreetStanley Street, Brisbane
Stanley Street is a major street in Brisbane, Queensland. It caries the designation state route 41 for the entirety of its length and state route 10 between the Vulture Street and Annerley Road intersections. For the majority of its length the road is a one-way carriageway. The route is a major...
, South Brisbane, between Peel and Melbourne Streets, close to the point where the Victoria Bridge
Victoria Bridge, Brisbane
The Victoria Bridge is a vehicular and pedestrian bridge over the Brisbane River. The current bridge, opened in 1969, is the third permanent crossing erected at this location...
crossed the Brisbane River
Brisbane River
The Brisbane River is the longest river in south east Queensland, Australia, and flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay. John Oxley was the first European to explore the river who named it after the Governor of New South Wales, Thomas Brisbane in 1823...
from the city and on the site where the QAG now stands.
By mid-1952, the building had been converted for use as offices and storage facilities for film distribution companies. It burnt down in 1954 and was never rebuilt. The present Cremorne Theatre, in the QPAC building, was named in honour of the historic Cremorne Theatre. During 1972, a decision to build a new Queensland Art Gallery on its present location at South Bank
South Bank, Queensland
South Bank is a cultural, educational and recreational precinct in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The precinct is located in the suburb of South Brisbane, on the southern bank of the Brisbane River.-South Bank Parklands:...
was made by the Queensland Government
Government of Queensland
The Government of Queensland is commonly known as the "Queensland Government".The form of the Government of Queensland is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1859, although it has been amended many times since then...
. Later, during 1974, the government decided to extend this idea to a Queensland Cultural Centre which included the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Museum, as well as the Queensland Art Gallery, so that all of these institutions would be in proximity to each other, as well as being within easy reach of the Brisbane Central Business District
Brisbane central business district
The Brisbane central business district , sometimes referred to as the city, is a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and is located on a point on the northern bank of the Brisbane River. The triangular shaped area is bounded by the Brisbane River to the east, south and west...
.
Queensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art GalleryQueensland Art Gallery
The Queensland Art Gallery is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, and is located nearest to Brisbane River at South Bank...
(formerly Queensland National Art Gallery), was established in 1895. The gallery has had many homes, and moved to its present location at the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank during 1982. The gallery provides 4,700 m2 of viewing space and includes a water mall, fountains, water sculptures, an outdoor area and gardens.
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
The Queensland Gallery of Modern ArtQueensland Gallery of Modern Art
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre at the South Bank area of South Brisbane. It holds most of Queensland Art Gallery's contemporary works, while also being the joint host to the current Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art...
, which operates in association with the Queensland Art Gallery, was built at Kurilpa Point, upstream from the rest of the centre and near the William Jolly Bridge. It opened in December 2006. In addition to the display areas, it contains the Australian Cinémathèque which has two cinemas and the Children's Art Centre in which children are able to interact with the galleries collection. In 2007 a three manual 15 rank Wurlitzer
Wurlitzer
The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, usually referred to simply as Wurlitzer, was an American company that produced stringed instruments, woodwinds, brass instruments, theatre organs, band organs, orchestrions, electronic organs, electric pianos and jukeboxes....
Style 260 theatre organ, Opus 2040, originally installed in the Brisbane's Regent Theatre
Regent Theatre (Brisbane)
The Regent Theatre in Brisbane is a multi-cinema picture palace, in what was once one of the original Hoyts' Picture Palaces from the 1920s. It is located at 167 Queen Street on the popular Queen Street Mall.-Origins:...
was restored by the Queensland Art Gallery with financial assistance from the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation and installed in the Cinémathèque Cinema 2. The instrument is now being used regularly for the presentation of silent movies and for recitals.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is located on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street in Brisbane's South Bank precinct....
(QPAC), which is also located at South Bank, and is also part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, was opened in 1985. QPAC contains some of Brisbane's main theatres (Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Cremorne Theatre, and the Playhouse), and the Tony Gould Gallery which is operated by the Queensland Museum and displays historical material related to theatre in Queensland. In 2008, the Queensland Government closed QPAC and allocated A$34.7m for the complete refurbishment of the building under the direction of Cox Rayner Architects. The centre re-opened in 2009.
Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland. The museum currently operates four separate campuses; at South Brisbane, Ipswich, Toowoomba and Townsville.The museum is funded by the State Government of Queensland.-History:...
was established in 1862, and has had many homes, including The Old Windmill (1862-1869) — Parliament House
Parliament House, Brisbane
Parliament House in Brisbane is the home of the Parliament of Queensland, housing the Legislative Assembly. It is situated on the corner of George Street and Alice Street...
(1869-1873) — General Post Office
General Post Office, Brisbane
The General Post Office in Brisbane, Australia, also known as the GPO, is an Australia Post building located between Queen Street and Elizabeth Street.-History:The GPO was opened on 28 September 1872...
(1873-1879) — followed by being based at a building on William Street
William Street, Brisbane
William Street is a small, relatively quiet road in the uptown part of the Brisbane central business district. The street is historical significant to the city's early development as a penal colony...
, which was later home to John Oxley Library
State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland is a large public library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988...
(1879-1899) — the Exhibition Hall, now called the Old Museum
Old Museum Building, Brisbane
The Old Museum Building is a performance venue in Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Australia.-History:The Old Museum was originally called the Exhibition Building and Concert Hall. It was built in 1891 for the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association after Brisbane's first exhibition...
Building (1899-1986). The Queensland Museum moved to the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank during 1986 and includes 6,500m2 of floor space. In addition to the main museum area, the building also houses the Queensland Sciencentre, a permanent interactive science exhibition suited for people of all ages. It plays an important role in educating people about new developments in the sciences.
State Library of Queensland
Established in 1896 and originally called the Public Library of Queensland, it was renamed the State Library of QueenslandState Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland is a large public library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988...
in 1902 was established in 1896. In its history, it had many homes including a long period in a building in William Street 1899-1988 — following which it moved to its present location near the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery, as part of the Queensland Cultural Centre. The State Library was extensively renovated at its South Bank address during 2006, and reopened in December of that year. Along with the usual facilities of a library, the building contains an historical archive called the John Oxley Library, several galleries in which exhibitions are held throughout the year, lecture rooms and an Indigenous Knowledge Centre called kuril dhagun.
Pedestrian bridge
The buildings of the Queensland Cultural Centre are connected by a pedestrianPedestrian
A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. In some communities, those traveling using roller skates or skateboards are also considered to be pedestrians. In modern times, the term mostly refers to someone walking on a road or footpath, but this was not the case...
bridge over the Cultural Centre Busway Station. This bridge connects the Queensland Performing Arts Centre over Melbourne Street with the building containing both the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery and provides ready access to buses at the Cultural Centre Busway Station
Cultural Centre Busway Station, Brisbane
The Cultural Centre Busway Station, at South Bank, is part of the South East Busway served by TransLink bus routes. The busway station is the first stop outside the city, and in Zone 1 of the TransLink integrated public transport system...
.
External links
- Queensland Cultural Centre information
- History of the Queensland Cultural Centre
- New Plan for Queensland Cultural Centre
- Cultural Centre Busway Station map - includes the Queensland Cultural Centre venues and surrounding area - pdf file