Must-see Brisbane exhibitions you need to go to
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By Danielle Reckless
Brisbane exhibitions | Gold Coast exhibitions
Whether it’s local performances or international artists coming in to play, our Brisbane museums, theatres and arts centres set the stage for a range of world-class experiences.
Get your calendar ready and make note of these must-see Brisbane exhibitions and arts festivals. From science experiments and fairy tales come to life in spectacular galleries, to genre-bending art on our beaches and riverbanks.
These are the best Brisbane exhibitions to check out this year.
Brisbane exhibitions
Head to South Bank and find yourself at the centre of a bustling and beautiful arts hub – with the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre all within a stone’s throw of each other.
Museum of Brisbane exhibitions
Museum of Brisbane. Photo by @museumofbrisbane
When: Multiple exhibitions to explore
Where: Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City
Why go? Tucked into iconic Brisbane City Hall, Museum of Brisbane is one of the best in the city – with every visit offering something new to discover. Any day in the Museum you may find Traditional Owners sharing local lore, an artist-in-residence creating new work, a performance in one of their exhibitions and their educators nurturing curiosity and creativity.
There are often multiple exhibitions to explore. Currently, you can delve into flower power at Rearranged: Art of the Flower (until 18 April), ponder our ever-changing city’s urban development from past to present and future at Making Place (until 19 April), or learn something new about Brisbane’s captivating history at Perspectives of Brisbane (until 18 April).
Want to know a local secret? Join a free tour to take a trip to the top of the iconic Clock Tower for a bit of local history and a unique vantage point of the city.
Institute of Modern Art
Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane. Photo by @ima_brisbane
When: Multiple exhibitions to explore
Where: Judith Wright Arts Centre, Fortitude Valley
Why go? Love contemporary art? Brisbane’s Institute of Modern Art has been a hub for cutting-edge exhibitions, public programs, artist talks and performances since 1975. A huge range of Queensland, Australian and international artists are showcased throughout the year and with exhibitions rotating every 6-8 weeks there's always something new to discover. IMA’s Gallery Shop is also a great place to pick up locally designed wares and unique gifts.
The 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT11)
When: 30 November 2024 – 27 April 2025
Where: QAGOMA, South Bank
Why go? A free Brisbane exhibition is back for its eleventh chapter. QAGOMA’s flagship exhibition series – the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art - will feature 70 projects from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific, encompassing work by over 200 artists, makers and thinkers.
APT 11 will have you ponder the future of art and the world we inhabit together, exploring works that will start conversations about intergenerational migration and labour experiences, caring for the environment, and life within First Nations and minority communities. Wander QAGOMA’s gallery to see floor-to-ceiling installations, Indigenous artworks, avant-garde ceramics and more – this is an ambitious exhibition, well worth spending the day in South Bank.
Looking for more inspiration? Discover the city’s best galleries and museums to check out even more Brisbane exhibitions.
Gold Coast exhibitions
Looking to attend more exhibitions near Brisbane? We’ve done the groundwork and found the best ones happening on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, a perfect day trip from the River City.
Swell Sculpture Festival
Swell Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast
When: 12 - 21 September 2025
Where: Currumbin
Why go? For ten days each September, the sands of Currumbin Beach transform into an outdoor gallery with the most stunning backdrop. If you've never seen Swell Sculpture Festival for yourself, put it on your radar. If you have, you've got even more reason to return.
Apart from marvelling your way along the beach, you can unleash your inner Picasso from dusk to dawn and attend masterclasses, artist presentations, and guided twilight walks. This year there's also beachside SWELL Fringe Festival, SWELL Kids Elements, SWELL Arty Party, long table feasts, live music and active programming including yoga and tai chi. Use this guide to plan your visit.
Looking for more local art experiences? Work your way along the Sunshine Coast's art gallery trail.
