Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (Royal Park)

The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (Royal Park) in Launceston, Tasmania, is one of Australia’s oldest regional museums. Located in the heart of the city, this museum offers visitors the chance to explore Tasmania’s history, art and culture. It forms part of a dual-site institution alongside the museum at Inveresk and the two locations comprise Australia’s largest museum not located in a capital city.

The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG) was founded in 1891. Over the years, the institution has grown to become a key centre for preserving and showcasing Tasmanian culture. It holds an extensive collection of artefacts, artworks and natural history exhibits.

The Royal Park site is particularly focused on art, while its sister site at Inveresk specialises in natural history and science.

What to See at Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (Royal Park)

Visitors to the Royal Park site can explore a diverse range of exhibits, with a particular focus on art and local history.

Highlights of the collection include a display about Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage and the Guan Di Temple as well as a collection of Australian and Tasmanian art.

First Tasmanians: our story is a display about Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage that presents Tasmanian Aboriginal perspectives on architecture, astronomy, climate change and creation stories.

The Guan Di Temple is an excellent exhibit featuring a working temple that contains artefacts from Chinese temples from Tasmanian mining towns. The temple provides an insight into Chinese religious practices in Tasmania during the 1880s.

The gallery has an impressive collection of Australian art, including colonial works, modernist paintings and contemporary pieces. Tasmanian artists feature prominently, offering insights into the island’s artistic heritage.

Nearby Royal Park provides a tranquil setting for the museum. Here you can enjoy the landscaped gardens, which offer a peaceful spot to relax before or after exploring the gallery.

Temporary exhibitions

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of themes. These may include international art, photography and installations by emerging artists.

ArtStart: Curated by the Artists
ArtStart (until 23 March 2025) showcases artwork by northern Tasmanian primary school students from kindergarten to Grade 6. Each ArtStart exhibition features a different theme, and this year students curate their own show. Classes select works across various media, including painting, photography and mixed media, to tell their collective story.

Gentle Protagonist: The Art of Michael McWilliams
Gentle Protagonist (14 December 2024– March 2025) is the first public exhibition of works by Tasmanian artist Michael McWilliams. Known for his detailed landscapes featuring wildlife and domestic animals, McWilliams often explores human impacts on the environment. This exhibition, alongside a companion publication, offers a comprehensive look at his career, artistic style and connection to Tasmania’s natural world. The exhibition will examine his influence within Australian and international art.

ArtRage: Celebrating 30 Years
ArtRage (14 December 2024–22 April 2025) marks 30 years as Tasmania’s state-wide student art exhibition. Developed by QVMAG, it showcases diverse works by years 11 and 12 students studying art for the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE). Since 1994, ArtRage has provided a platform for emerging artists while sharing varied perspectives and experiences with communities across Tasmania. The exhibition reflects the creative talent of young artists from around the island.

Visiting Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (Royal Park)

QVMAG’s Royal Park site is on Wellington Street, a short walk from the city centre.

The museum is open daily throughout the year and entry is free of charge. However, some temporary exhibitions may involve an admission fee.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts to assist visitors with mobility needs.

Visitor amenities include a small on-site cafe and the central location means that there are plenty of other options to eat and drink nearby including picnic spots in nearby Royal Park.

2 Wellington Street, Launceston TAS 7250
Bus Tiger (stop: Cenotaph)
Website www.qvmag.tas.gov.au
Admission free
Open 10am–4pm daily