Major addition to historic site

The Abbey Museum’s new $2.1 million art gallery and café has been officially unveiled.

Andrew Powell, Minister for Tourism and State Member for Glass House, formally opened the gallery and cafe near Caboolture.

It will house internationally significant collections and is expected to lift Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology's visitors above the current 10,000 a year.

Redevelopment of the art gallery and café was supported by $1.95 million from the Queensland Government.

“The new art gallery means Abbey Museum can expand its cultural offerings to entice locals and visitors into a world of art and culture through the ages,” Mr Powell said.

“The art gallery and café is a perfect place for people who want a unique experience – from history buffs to families looking to learn about history.”

This is strengthened by the recently donated ‘Vision of St Hubert’, for which a preparatory drawing exists in the Louvre, with the original here in Moreton Bay.

The gallery’s first exhibition, Inspired Images: The Art of Faiths, explores human history through works inspired by diverse spiritual beliefs.

It includes medieval, renaissance and baroque paintings and sculptures, ceramics, stained glass and works on paper.

The exhibition catalogue has been produced with funding from the Gordon Darling Foundation, a supporter of visual arts projects across Australia.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the gallery and café will elevate our City’s “great culture and liveability offering”.

“I am proud City of Moreton Bay is internationally recognised as one of the premier medieval history destinations in the southern hemisphere, largely due to the exceptional work of the Abbey Museum,” he said.

The project has been supported by the Queensland Government, Creative Australia through Plus1 funding, the Gordon Darling Foundation and many benefactors.

For tickets to the new exhibition visit www.abbeymuseum.com.au