European Masterpieces a blockbuster exhibition

One of the most exciting collections of artworks to ever grace our shores is opening tomorrow in Brisbane and has been brought exclusively to Queensland thanks to support from the Palaszczuk Government.

The highly-anticipated European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York is giving Queenslanders and visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible works of art.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the exhibition at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) featuring 65 paintings spanning 500 years is an incredible coup for Queensland.

“This is the only show The Met is touring in 2021, and it is coming exclusively to Brisbane,” the Premier said.

“It’s one of the finest collections of European painting, which rarely leave permanent display in New York and will be accessible right on our doorstep.

“At a time when we cannot visit New York ourselves, for four months visitors from all over Australia will come to Brisbane to see a little bit of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum at South Bank.

“Delivering globally significant arts experiences like this will bring visitors to our state and support our economic recovery.”

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland's reputation as an arts and cultural destination was growing.

“Since 2016 our government has committed more than $20 million in blockbuster funding to support QAGOMA to present exclusive exhibitions like this one in Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.

“And $4 million of that funding has helped bring the European Masterpieces exhibition to Queensland. 

“The arts are key to delivering our plan for economic recovery, each year contributing $8.5 billion into the state’s economy and supporting more than 92,000 jobs for Queenslanders.”

European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York will transform QAGOMA with rich colours to best feature the majesty of these breathtaking works of art from some of the greatest European painters of all time.

“The exhibition will begin in the 1420s with The Crucifixion by Fra Angelico and conclude in 1919, at the height of early 20th century post-impressionism, with one of Monet's late Water Lilies,” Ms Enoch said.

“There are also works by Rembrandt, Turner, Van Gogh, Titian, Raphael, Cézanne and Vermeer telling the cultural stories and revealing historic insights that chart Western art’s most iconic movements.”

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Director Chris Saines CNZM said visitors would experience the exquisite collection of paintings in impressively designed,
purpose-built spaces inspired by period European architecture. 

"Over three chapters, ‘European Masterpieces’ traces the development of art and artists from a time when creativity was closely controlled through the patronage of church and state, to a period in which our contemporary idea of the independent artist was born," Mr Saines said.

"The show goes above and beyond a traditional masterpieces exhibition. In addition to engaging with these great works of art, visitors can immerse themselves in The Studio, an expansive space at the heart of the exhibition with a range of interpretive and interactive experiences including live music performances and figure drawing from 11.00am to 3.30pm daily."

Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) will be the exclusive Australian venue for the major exhibition European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York from 12 June to 17 October 2021.

For more information visit: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/european-masterpieces

ENDS

Media contact:

Pam Frost (Minister Enoch's office) 0437 859 987