Your Guide to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)—together they form QAGOMA, the beating heart of Brisbane’s lively arts and culture scene.

Located in adjacent riverside buildings at South Bank, QAGOMA is the home of the ambitious and vibrant Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, held every three years.

It’s also a dream for art lovers and curious minds alike. Wander through world-class exhibits, immerse yourself in impressive cultural experiences, and explore an internationally acclaimed collection of Australian, Asian and international art

So, if your Brisbane itinerary is a blank canvas, or if you’re looking to maximise your cultural discovery, then keep reading: our guide to QAGOMA has you covered.

How to get there

To get to QAGOMA, take a bus to the Cultural Centre Busway (right next door), make tracks to South Brisbane train station, or cruise the river on one of Brisbane’s much-loved CityCats 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.

Art and cultural highlights

QAGOMA features an ever-changing line-up of global exhibitions along with a collection of 20,000 artworks from Australia, Asia and the world.

Feast your eyes on a Picasso or admire a Margaret Olly masterpiece – this is the place to uncover an endless world of contemporary art.

Before you step inside, admire the outside sculptures including an upside down, five-metre bronze elephant, and Judy Watson’s ‘Tow Row’, inspired by indigenous woven fishing nets.

From there, head into GOMA and catch ‘Air’ (running until 23 April 2023), an exhibition exploring the ‘invisible, ethereal and vital’ element. It’s anchored by a floating canopy of 13 air-filled spheres and features Ron Mueck’s monumental ‘In Bed’ human sculpture.

Upcoming blockbuster exhibits include ‘Fairy Tales’ (2 December 2023 – 28 April 2024), a Brisbane exclusive that dives into our centuries-old fascination with fairy tales. Also coming soon is ‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’ and ‘eX de Medici: Beautiful Wickedness’, celebrating two of Australia’s pre-eminent artists (both run from 24 June – 2 October 2023).

After you’ve checked out the exhibits, potter through the Gallery’s permanent collection. Australian, Asian and Pacific art in any medium you can imagine – you’ll find it all here.

Make sure to check out the extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, showcasing the artistic expression of the world’s oldest continuing culture.

After a long day roaming the halls, stop by the Australian Cinémathèque (the only cinema inside an Australian art gallery) and be captivated by this celebration of moving pictures.

Oh, and one more thing: make sure to exit through the gift shop, the QAGOMA Store (trust us, it’s worth it!).

TIP: Before your visit, check out QAGOMA’s website to see what’s on including talks, guided tours, workshops and special events and performances.

QAGOMA for kids

You might say that QAGOMA has got inspiring kids down to a fine art. The Children’s Art Centre features exhibitions and activities that’ll unleash your children’s inner artist.

Ignite their enthusiasm with ‘Superpowered’ (running until 16 July 2023), an immersive world of cheeky humour and courageous characters that brings together art from four indigenous artists including Archibald Prize winner Vincent Namatjira (of the Western Aranda people).

Also running until 23 April 2023 is Brian Robinson’s ‘Lag ǀ Malu ǀ Daparr (Land ǀ Sea ǀ Sky)’. Through animation, children can watch an artwork inspired by the Torres Strait Island night sky come to life or flex their artistic flair as they make their own woven angel fish.

Accessibility at QAGOMA

QAG and GOMA are both wheelchair accessible from the street level entrance on Stanley Place. Additional access to QAG is possible from the car park upper-level lift or Melbourne Street entrance, while GOMA is also wheelchair accessible from the Stanley Place car park.

QAGOMA offers Auslan-interpreted tours for hearing-impaired visitors, audio-described tours for visitors who are blind or who have low vision, and an ‘Art and Dementia’ program for people living with dementia.

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).

For accessibility information (or to reserve a wheelchair for your visit), call the QAGOMA information desk (+61 (0)7 3840 7303) between 10am and 5pm.

Where to eat

Worked up an appetite from all that art?

Make your way to GOMA Bistro for riverside alfresco dining shaded by poinciana trees, or head to GOMA Restaurant where you can choose from culinary delights including Waygu short rib and wild caught fish alongside a selection of fine wines.

If it’s an espresso hit you’re chasing, head to QAG Café and recharge alongside the water feature in the secluded Sculpture Courtyard, or inside next to an artist-created mural.  

Slightly further afield you’ll come across a gastronomic trail of restaurants, bars, cafes and street art in nearby Fish Lane.

Devour wood-fired pizzas at Julius Pizzeria, eat Asian street food inspired cuisine at Chu the Phat, or indulge in scrumptious twice-baked croissants at Lune Croissanterie.

Then, reward yourself with a tipple and tap into Saccharomyces Beer Café’s range of international craft beers, or head to the hole-in-the-wall Maker bar and let the mixologists create your perfect cocktail.

Explore nearby attractions

QAGOMA forms part of the Queensland Cultural Centre which also includes QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre), the State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Museum.

Settle in for a night at the opera or catch the latest direct-from-Broadway-show at QPAC. Or if science is more your thing, head to the Museum and amazed by dinosaur fossils millions of years old.

Adjacent to the Cultural Centre are the South Bank Parklands. Think Central Park, Queensland-style, with a man-made beach set amongst 17 hectares of lush sub-tropical gardens and manicured lawns facing towards Brisbane’s growing collection of skyscrapers.

Where to stay

Want to really immerse yourself in Brisbane’s cultural scene? Then stay at Rydges South Bank on Grey Street situated right on the edge of the cultural precinct, just a short walk from QAGOMA.

If sitting by a rooftop pool sipping cocktails is more your jam, then the five-star Emporium Hotel has a room waiting for you. Sip on a ‘Perfect Peach’ signature cocktail at the Terrace Bar as you look out over the Brisbane skyline.

Alternatively, stay at Mantra Southbank and take your pick from bustling Grey Street’s restaurants and cafes, or at the Novotel located right alongside the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.