Thousands flock to Story Bridge for nude art installation

The Story Bridge and part of the nearby boardwalk was closed as 5500 people laid naked on the iconic landmarks.

• Wild true tales of the Story Bridge

The Story Bridge was closed off to host a huge installation in the early hours of Sunday. The artwork? 5500 nude models.

In a huge celebration of diversity, inclusion and the LGBTQIA+ community, thousands of Brisbane locals literally laid bare on the iconic bridge to help facilitate the monumental installation, Rising Tide.

The installation as seen from the air. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

New York artist Spencer Tunick was the mastermind behind the art event, with the riverside installation marking 30 years of his career.

The Story Bridge was closed off from traffic from 1am until 9am to help facilitate the mammoth task.

On the nearby boardwalk. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

As part of Melt Festival 2024, Mr Tunick co-ordinated the thousands of nude figures across several hours to help build a stunning display of “unity and artistic expression”.

Mr Tunick said the installation, which spanned both the Story Bridge and Brisbane Riverwalk, was his “most inclusive to date”.

More than 5000 people took part.

Pictures: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

“5500 people is my largest Australian work so far and this one is very special because it celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and allies,” he said.

The models take their place on Story Bridge. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

“Photographing all the participants on the bridge was like looking down the mouth of a whale, filled with love and diversity.”

The models pass under Brisbane's Story Bridge. Picture: NewsWire/ David Kapernick

Melt Festival, which celebrates Queer art and culture, premiered in Brisbane on October 23 and will run until November 10.