Underhill was succeeded in 1996 by Ross Searle, who oversaw the art museum's move in 2004, from the Forgan Smith Tower to its present site.

Searle also implemented the art museum's development of a National Collection of Artists' Self Portraits and a bi-annual self-portraiture prize.

[4] The museum, under the directorship of Mitzevich and afterwards Campbell B Gray, continued to acquire the work of important Queensland and Australian contemporary artists, and to encourage gifts and bequests.

The building was commissioned by Sir Zelman Cowen, the Vice Chancellor and it was designed by Brisbane architect, Robin Gibson.

In 1993, Mayne Hall was redeveloped by Wilson Architects to house the UQ Art Museum[13] and exhibition space.