Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses is GOMA's newest exclusive exhibit - here's what you need to know

When: 29 June – 7 October 2024
Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Bank
Tickets: From $24. See here.

The artistic genius behind show-stopping haute couture masterpieces worn by Gaga, Beyonce, Björk, and Cate Blanchett – among many others – internationally acclaimed Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen is the centrepiece of Brisbane’s newest art show.

GOMA’s upcoming exhibition – Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses – rolls out its runway in late June, including a sparkling new Friday Nights experience for those who love to combine an exhibition with a drink, DJs and hands-on creativity.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Iris van Herpen exhibit – exclusive to Brisbane.  

What you need to know about Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses

Sculpting the Senses is your opportunity to delve into the whimsical, innovative world of Iris van Herpen – who is renowned for pioneering couture through technology, merging fashion with art and science. Her avant-garde designs redefine the boundaries of traditional fashion, exploring themes like nature, technology, and the human form – and this exhibit is a captivating way to explore the artistic process behind her designs.

In fact, some of her custom creations are so intricate they can take two years to complete!

The Iris van Herpen exhibit is more than high fashion on show. An immersive exhibition that has been co-organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and QAGOMA, you’re invited to step into a sensory exploration with close to 100 garments in conversation with contemporary artworks, natural history specimens and cultural artefacts from which van Herpen draws inspiration – set to a soundscape by artist Salvador Breed.

Van Herpen’s creations are complemented with a range of international artists on show. Discover shadow projections by Canadian media artist Philip Beesley; illustrations by Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang; a kinetic artwork featuring 300 gold seed pods by Casey Curran, and two immersive installations by the Japanese art collective Mé, plus more.

Set to be a masterpiece, you can’t miss it.

Here's what QAGOMA's Assistant International Art Curator, Dr Jacinta Giles, had to say about the exhibit.

How to get tickets to Iris van Herpen in Brisbane

Tickets are on sale now for Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses, which is on show at GOMA from 29 June – 7 October 2024.

Adult tickets are $30pp, with discounted rates for concession, QAGOMA members, children, family and group tickets. Children under 5 years have free entry. A separate ticket is required to GOMA Friday Nights.

Companion Card holders receive concession priced tickets to all paid exhibitions and programs at QAGOMA, and a complimentary ticket for their companion. Complimentary tickets for companions must be collected at the Gallery.

Visitors can also join one of GOMA’s passionate volunteer guides for a tour of the exhibition, held at 11am daily. When purchasing tickets online, select the 11.00am session and choose the option for Ticket with Volunteer Guided Tour.

Buy your tickets here.

Stay up late with GOMA Friday Nights

Ever wanted to wander through an art gallery after hours? The perfect date night or excuse for a catch up, fill your Friday nights with fashion and flair thanks to GOMA Friday Nights. This is your chance to experience the exhibition after dark, with entertainment from Brisbane’s best DJs, film screenings, drop-in drawing, and riverside dining. Grab a wine and get inspired.

GOMA Friday Nights are ticketed, and will run every Friday night from 12 July – 4 October 2024, from 5.30pm – 8.30pm.

How to get to GOMA

Located in the heart of Brisbane’s Cultural Centre, QAGOMA is easy to get to via public and private transport.

The Cultural Centre Busway is right next door, South Brisbane train station is a few minutes’ walk away, or choose to arrive by river cruise and take one of Brisbane’s much-loved CityCats or free KittyCats to South Bank Ferry Terminal.

If you’re coming on foot from the city, walk across Kurilpa Bridge, or stroll in from the nearby South Bank Parklands.

Driving? Set your GPS to Stanley Place and park underneath QAG or the neighbouring State Library of Queensland.

Tip: Hit up TransLink’s Journey Planner to plan your trip.

Accessibility at GOMA

GOMA is wheelchair accessible from the street level entrance on Stanley Place and the Stanley Place car park. Accessible parking bays are located in the Cultural Centre car parks.

Boasting one of the country’s most accessible art programs, QAGOMA offers audio-described tours, Auslan-interpreted tours, and an ‘Art and Dementia’ program for people living with dementia. Headphones or neck loops are available for visitors with cochlear implants or hearing aids. The Gallery also offers low sensory visiting times on selected days of the year, as well as information for guests with Autism or Sensory Sensitivity (tip: QAGOMA is usually quietest after 3pm).

Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs are welcome.

To reserve a wheelchair for your visit, call the QAGOMA information desk (+61 7 3840 7303) between 10am and 5pm.

For all Access programs, contact the Group Bookings Office Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm (+61 7 3840 7255).

Where to eat or drink near GOMA

Turn your visit to the Iris van Herpen exhibit into a day out – there’s plenty of options for a quick bite or fancy meal close by. Make your way to GOMA Bistro for riverside alfresco dining shaded by poinciana trees, or make a lunch reservation at GOMA Restaurant where food is art on your plate – with a two-course set menu plus dessert options showcasing farm-to-table Queensland produce. For a simple bite or cuppa, head to QAG Café.

Cross Grey Street and you’ll discover vibrant Fish Lane, home to urban art, bars and endless bustling eateries. Indulge in a slice of Italy at Julius Pizzeria (pop into Bar Brutus for an aperitivo first), upscale bites and martinis at Midtown, unbeatable Euro fare at Maeve Wine Bar, and so much more. Wander further along South Bank Parklands and you’ll have your pick of global cuisines from the restaurants that line Grey Street and Little Stanley Street.

What to do while you’re in town for the Iris van Herpen exhibit

QAGOMA is located within Queensland Cultural Centre which also includes QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre), the State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Museum – so if you’re in the mood for more entertainment, stick around to catch a show or discover more of the city's best exhibitions.  

You could easily spend a day or more exploring the wonders of South Bank, from taking a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane to see the city from new heights, wandering through the Parklands, or cooling off with a dip at the inner-city beach just moments from the gallery. Time your visit for Sunday, then wander down to River Quay Green where Sunday Social on the Green brings live music by the water from 2pm – 5pm. Pack a picnic blanket and kick back.

If the Iris van Herpen exhibit has fueled your passion for fashion, make use of this Brisbane shopping guide: Queen Street Mall, James Street and Paddington should satisfy any cravings.

For more activities, check out these awesome things to do in Brisbane. Or, discover more events and exciting performances happening while you’re here.

Where to stay if you’re visiting Brisbane

The Iris van Herpen exhibit is exclusive to Brisbane’s GOMA, so if you’re venturing to the River City to check it out, check into accommodation in the CBD or South Bank to really immerse yourself in the city’s cultural scene. Options abound from luxury to mid-range hotels, but if you want to spend your down-time in a hotel that's a destination in its own right, W Brisbane is our pick. A short stroll across Victoria Bridge from the Cultural Centre, the W is a vibrant spot with river views, a rooftop oasis perfect for a poolside cocktail, indulgent day spa and signature dining experiences. Other nearby options including Rydges South Bank, Novotel and Mantra South Bank.

Discover more Brisbane accommodation here, plus places to stay on a budget.

Planning a trip? Check out what’s on in Brisbane, from live music to theatre and art exhibits.