Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
Queensland
Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a prominent art institution located in Brisbane's South Bank, Queensland, Australia. Established originally in 1895 as the Queensland National Art Gallery, it evolved into a two-campus museum with the addition of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in 2006. The galleries are situated only 150 metres apart within the Queensland Cultural Centre, offering a combined display space of over 4700 square metres. Architecturally acclaimed, the Queensland Art Gallery building was designed by Robin Gibson and opened in 1982, featuring innovative design elements such as the Watermall that separates exhibition spaces from public and administrative areas. QAGOMA's collection includes significant Australian artworks, Indigenous Australian art, and an extensive Asia-Pacific contemporary art collection, highlighted by the flagship Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art exhibitions. The institution is committed to engaging with Queensland's Indigenous communities and fostering cultural exchange through exhibitions and educational programs. Entry to the galleries is free, with some special exhibitions requiring tickets, making it accessible to a broad audience. QAGOMA is a cultural cornerstone in Brisbane, blending historical and modern art within a vibrant, subtropical setting.
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Tip: Visit QAGOMA on weekdays or outside major exhibition openings for a quieter experience. Entry is free, but some exhibitions require tickets-booking in advance is recommended during school holidays and special events. Take advantage of family-friendly discounts and interactive children’s programs for an engaging visit with kids. Use public transport or plan parking ahead, as the galleries are centrally located in South Bank, Brisbane.
Interesting facts
- •The Queensland Art Gallery was awarded the Robin Gibson Award for Enduring Architecture in 2004, recognizing its lasting architectural significance.
- •The first painting acquired by the gallery in 1896 was 'Evicted' by Blandford Fletcher, a work that was once controversially removed from public display.
- •QAGOMA hosts the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, a major international art event showcasing contemporary works from the Asia-Pacific region.
- •The Watermall within the Queensland Art Gallery building serves as a unique architectural feature separating exhibition galleries from public and administrative areas.
- •The gallery is committed to profiling Indigenous Australian art and maintaining strong relationships with Queensland's Indigenous communities.
History
The Queensland Art Gallery was founded in 1895 as the Queensland National Art Gallery and initially operated from various temporary locations.
In the 1960s, it shared space with the Queensland Museum before the construction of the Queensland Cultural Centre.
The current Queensland Art Gallery building, designed by Robin Gibson, opened in 1982 as part of this cultural precinct.
The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) was added in 2006, creating a two-campus institution known collectively as QAGOMA.
Over the years, QAGOMA has become a major cultural attraction, with over 10 million visitors recorded by 2014.
The Queensland Art Gallery was listed as a State Heritage Place in 2015, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
Place Guide
Queensland Art Gallery Building1982
Designed by Robin Gibson and opened in 1982, this building features a distinctive Watermall that separates tranquil exhibition spaces from active public and educational areas, using light materials suited to Brisbane’s subtropical climate.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)2006
Opened in 2006, GOMA complements the Queensland Art Gallery with contemporary art exhibitions, including the Asia Pacific Triennial. It hosts interactive and innovative exhibitions focused on modern and contemporary art.
Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary ArtSince 1993
A flagship series of exhibitions held every three years showcasing contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region, fostering cultural exchange and scholarship.
Children’s Art Centre
Located at GOMA, this centre offers interactive art projects and educational activities designed for children and families, including collaborations with contemporary artists.
Contact
Phone: (07) 3840 7303
