Fragile and Forever: Ceramics from the Queensland Museum Collection

From intricately crafted ancient vessels to striking contemporary artworks, a new exhibition at Queensland Museum Kurilpa is celebrating the beauty, history and staying power of ceramics.

Fragile and Forever brings together almost 300 objects from Queensland Museum’s collection, revealing how the art form has carried stories, culture and creativity across thousands of years.

The free exhibition spans an extraordinary range of works, from ceramics crafted by Japan’s ancient Jōmon people to powerful contemporary pieces by celebrated First Nations artists. Visitors can also discover artefacts recovered from HMS Pandora alongside eclectic ceramics sourced from China, Egypt, Greece, Denmark, Italy, England, Austria and Australia.

Many of the objects on display have never been publicly exhibited before, offering a rare glimpse into Queensland Museum’s expansive ceramics collection. While delicate in form, the exhibition highlights the lasting nature of ceramic art and its ability to preserve moments of human history across generations.

Whether you’re drawn to contemporary art, ancient cultures or beautifully crafted objects, Fragile and Forever promises a fascinating wander through the timeless world of ceramics.

Credit: Lee Wilkes