Happy 1st Birthday Rockhampton Museum of Art!

Published on 24 February 2023

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The Rockhampton Museum of Art is set to celebrate a milestone tomorrow, marking one year since the doors first opened.

Communities and Heritage spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson said the Rockhampton Museum of Art will be hosting a day of free activities this Saturday to celebrate its birthday, including talks, workshops, activities and more.

“In just one year, RMOA has changed the cultural landscape of our region. It has given our collection the space it deserves and attracted exhibitions we never could have hosted before,” Cr Wickerson said. 

“The Rockhampton Museum of Art has seen strong attendance figures since it opened, which is a big vote of confidence in the museum by residents and visitors alike.

“While there have been many local visitors in that time, there have also been visitors from as far away as New Zealand, Europe and the UK.

“It is fast becoming a destination in its own right. It is a ‘must see’ for travellers and another reason for visitors to stay a little longer in our region,” Cr Wickerson said.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said that she is stoked to see Rockhampton Museum of Art celebrate its one year anniversary.

“The Rockhampton Museum of Art has allowed the Art Gallery to not only showcase its vast collection of nationally and culturally significant pieces, but to also host touring works in a secure and appropriate location,” Ms Landry said.

“Situated in the heart of the Rockhampton’s stunning riverfront precinct, the Rockhampton Museum of Art has become an important tourist attraction for art lovers and a focal point for our tourism industry.

“I am proud to have delivered $10 million in funding for this project and pleased to see that it has supported local businesses during construction and the ongoing jobs that is required to continue the Museum’s operation,” Ms Landry said.

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said it’s wonderful to celebrate twelve months since the opening of the Rockhampton Museum of Art with some 90,000 visitors enjoying the many artworks and exhibition installations.

“I encourage people from around Rocky and Central Queensland to take the opportunity to pop in and have a look at those displays – they’re absolutely wonderful!” Mr O’Rourke said.

“The RMOA is great for Rockhampton and brings tourists to our town to experience the culture and diversity that is displayed in such varying forms.”

More information about RMOA’s birthday celebrations can be found here: www.rmoa.com.au/Whats-On/RMOA-is-turning-One

Rockhampton Museum of Art is open seven days a week from 9am to 4pm. Entry is free. Rockhampton Museum of Art is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.

For more information visit www.rmoa.com.au

The museum opened on 25 February 2022, and since then exhibitions have included:

The Gold Award 2022
Here We Meet (by local artists Karen Stephens, Belynda Waugh and Veronika Zeil)
D Harding’s Wall Composition on Darumbal 2021.
Hand and Heat
Soft Notes to the Future
Aaron Snowball: Mammoth
Joachim Froese: Echoes of Process
Legacy: Reflections on Mabo
Gail Mabo: House of Cards
Collection Focus: Vipoo Srivilasa
Collection Focus: The Colour of Country
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