Our exhibition history

Since the first days of the Griffith University Art Collection, art exhibitions have been a primary focus. In the mid 1970s, most of the Art Collection was on display in locations around the University campuses. A dedicated exhibition space was allocated on the University's first Campus in the 1970s ‘The Central Theatres Gallery’ and became the primary exhibition space for artists in residence and the Art Collection until the late 1990s.

Works from the Griffith University Art Collection continue to be displayed through our On Campus Exhibition Program across the University’s campuses. In 2001 the Art Museum opened its purpose built public art gallery at South Bank, within Brisbane’s cultural precinct. Exhibitions include both touring and curated shows, with the gallery welcoming visitors year-round.

Our past exhibition spaces

In the mid 1970s exhibitions were held in the Brisbane South (Nathan) Library Foyer. With the popularity of the early exhibitions, Griffith University allocated a permanent exhibition space to be used for a rotating selection of the University Art Collection and work by visiting artists.

This period also saw the start of our On Campus Exhibition Program, displaying the Griffith University Art Collection for staff and students across all campuses.

With the popularity of the Art Collection exhibitions around campus, the University designated the Central Theatres Foyer as a permanent gallery space in the late 1970s.

And with the Griffith University Artist Residencies at their peak in the 1980s, the Central Theatres Gallery was put to good use with exhibitions featuring the artwork created and often inspired by the Brisbane South (Nathan) Campus.  Between these exhibitions, new acquistions and curated works from the growing Art Collection were put on display, much to the joy of students and staff.

A architects plan of the Griffith University Central Theatres Gallery

Over the past 50 years, offsite exhibitions have been hosted at venues including the State Library of Queensland, Brisbane City Hall and the Magazine Space (Eagle Street Pier).

Image: re collection: The Griffith University Art Collection - 25 Years, Brisbane City Hall Gallery, 1996.

The new millennium saw the finalisation of our new purpose-build Art Gallery site, co-located with the new College of Art campus, finally opening in 2001.

Griffith University Art Museum Image: Griffith University Art Museum, exterior, 2023. Photo: Patrick Lester

Celebrating 50 years

Copyright Statement  
Where known, all works of art displayed on the site are accurately described and attributed with the creator's name and where possible, approved by the copyright owner or their agents. If there is any inaccuracy, please contact the Art Museum. Images and text on this website may not be reproduced, downloaded, copied, published, used on other websites or emailed without permission, unless allowed under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwth), (e.g. for the purposes of research and study). Please refer to Griffith University's Copyright Guide. Requests for copyright, reproduction, publication or amendment should be made in writing to the Art Museum. We are always pleased to hear from members of the public who may have additional information about works in the Collection or our historical archive.

Cultural Sensitivity Advice 
Griffith University Art Museum respectfully advises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that this database includes images, works and names of deceased peoples and may include images of artistic, cultural or intellectual property of a sensitive nature. This database may also contain perspectives that reflect the period in which items were created. While this information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided in an historical context.