QUEENSLAND’S FAVOURITE ICONS CELEBRATE MUSEUM ANNIVERSARY

Queensland Museum celebrated 20 years at South Bank today with the opening of an exhibition featuring Queensland’s favourite icons.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, officially opened the exhibition of 36 icons as voted by Queenslanders to commemorate the 20^th anniversary of Queensland Museum at the South Bank cultural precinct.

“These icons represent an important part of Queensland’s history or have contributed to our unique cultural identity,” Mr Welford said.

“The exhibition has been created by Queenslanders, who have reflected on their identity, their childhood and their daily lives.

“Although there may be some controversial choices, these icons have won a lasting place in our minds and memories.”

Icons featured in the National Trust Bendigo Bank Icons of Queensland exhibition include the Big Pineapple, the Gold Coast, the backyard mango tree, the Ekka, Queensland Rail, sugar bags, RACQ, the Ulysses butterfly, Quinkan Rock Art at Laura, the Gabba, and even the Pub with No Beer.

Exhibition visitors are being encouraged to comment on the icons and discuss icons they believe should have been included in the exhibition, which is on show until early 2008.

A list of the icons can be found at www.nationaltrustqld.org.

The Queensland Museum first opened in 1862 and held various locations in Brisbane, including Parliament House and the General Post Office.

The museum moved from the Old Museum building in Bowen Hills on 2 October 1986 and reopened at South Bank.

“The Queensland Museum is itself an icon and has enriched the cultural lives of more than 10 million visitors since it opened 144 years ago,” Mr Welford said.

The Queensland Museum has six campuses throughout the state including Queensland Museum South Bank in Brisbane, The Workshops Rail Museum in North Ipswich, the Museum of Tropical Queensland in Townsville and Cobb and Co. Museum in Toowoomba.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz 32371000 or 0419 734 985