Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park — Attraction in Launceston

The Queen Victoria Art Gallery in Launceston offers an inviting space with potential, though it ultimately left me with mixed feelings after my visit. Located in a picturesque area, the gallery is easily accessible and housed in a charming, historic building that immediately sets a positive tone. Upon entering, I was struck by how clean and well-maintained the space is, with its bright, open rooms that encourage exploration. The staff at the gallery deserve particular praise for their attentiveness and hospitality. They were welcoming, knowledgeable, and eager to share insights about the various exhibitions on display, which added a layer of richness to my visit.However, despite the warm reception and the gallery's tidy appearance, I couldn't shake the feeling that the curation of the exhibitions was somewhat limiting. There is a certain lack of coherence in the way the works are presented, making it challenging to follow a clear narrative or theme throughout the space. This was particularly evident in the Indigenous tools area, which, while undoubtedly important in its own right, felt oddly placed within the broader context of the gallery. It seemed as though this section was added almost as an afterthought, rather than being integrated into a thoughtful and cohesive exhibit. This misplacement left me questioning whether the gallery had considered the best way to showcase these culturally significant items in a manner that honors their history and significance.The variety of art on display was another area where the gallery felt somewhat lacking. While the cleanliness and orderliness of the space are commendable, the selection of artwork left me wanting more. The exhibits, though nicely presented, didn't offer the breadth or depth one might expect from an art gallery of this stature. The contemporary art section, for instance, felt sparse, and I couldn't help but feel that the gallery missed an opportunity to showcase a more diverse range of artistic expressions. For art enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in a wide array of styles and mediums, the gallery might feel a bit limited.One aspect of the gallery that stood out was the inclusion of children's artwork. While it’s wonderful to see young talent being nurtured and displayed in a public space, there was a noticeable abundance of these works throughout the gallery. While charming and full of creativity, the prevalence of children's art contributed to the feeling that the gallery was catering more to a family audience rather than offering something for a broader range of art lovers.In conclusion, while the Queen Victoria Art Gallery has many positive attributes, including its welcoming staff and pristine environment, the overall experience felt somewhat constrained by the curation choices. The gallery has the potential to be a vibrant cultural hub, but it would benefit from a more thoughtful curatorial direction that better integrates its various exhibits and offers a richer diversity of art. For those with a keen interest in art, a visit to the Queen Victoria Art Gallery is still worthwhile, but it might leave you wishing for a bit more depth and variety in the...

The Queen Victoria Art Gallery in Launceston put together something truly special with Gentle Protagonist: Art of Michael McWilliams, which ran until March 23rd. McWilliams has spent decades creating detailed paintings that tell a story while reflecting on Tasmania’s changing environment. Was breathtaking

The exhibition featured a salon-style wall, an eye-catching display packed with his works, showcasing how his intricate paintings build upon one another. Bringing together 100 paintings from private collections across Australia, it was a rare chance to see them all in one place. His work, filled with native wildlife and introduced species, invited people to think about how human activity has shaped nature over time.

A lot of effort went into tracking down these scattered pieces and arranging them into a clear journey through 34 years of his art. Each painting had a story, and together they highlighted how McWilliams’ style evolved.

For those who couldn’t visit in person, there was an interactive virtual tour, and the good news is that a companion book featuring his work will be available soon.

While the exhibition may be over, its impact lingers—whether through its thought-provoking themes or the sheer beauty of McWilliams’ paintings. If you missed it, the upcoming book is a great way to experience...

Super photographic exhibition of the Tasmanian Hydro Power Stations and living environment. Great shot looking down from the Strathgordon dam. Pennstocks are some of the biggest water syphons in the world. Other displays such as the Tas Young Artists collection contained some traditional and modern media that were influenced by David Walsh's Mona displays. The Aboriginal display is the best display I've seen yet...outline, history , tribes, culture and fire making. Curated by local indigenous people to keep it accurate. Upgrade to building is fantastic and has a state of the art washroom and toilet facility. Chinese Imperial exhibit is quite lavish, need to go back and have another look. Ran out of time sadly! Upstairs art gallery houses traditional historical paintings...