QAGOMA: Brisbane's Twin Galleries in the South Bank Cultural Precinct

Located on Stanley Place in South Brisbane, Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) form the QAGOMA complex. These twin galleries, separated by a pedestrian plaza, operate as a single institution within Brisbane's vibrant South Bank cultural precinct. This area is a hub of cultural activity, also housing the Queensland State Library, Queensland Museum, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). QAGOMA is easily accessible from South Brisbane train station, Cultural Centre Busway station, and a 5-minute walk from the South Bank 3 CityCat ferry stop.

With a total exhibition space of approximately 20,000 square meters, QAGOMA is Australia's largest art museum complex. Its mission is to preserve Queensland's artistic heritage, promote modern art, and foster international artistic exchange. The institution particularly highlights contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region, establishing Brisbane as a significant forum for global art discourse. The two buildings showcase distinct architectural styles, with QAG embodying classical aesthetics and GOMA featuring a modern, innovative design.

QAG: A Legacy Since 1895

The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) was founded in 1895 as Queensland's first public art gallery. It initially operated from various locations in Brisbane city, collecting and preserving the artistic heritage of Queensland and Australia, alongside European classical art. In 1982, QAG moved to its current South Bank location, opening a new building that blends classical architecture with modern functionality. This move was pivotal in establishing the South Bank cultural precinct.

GOMA: Australia's Largest Contemporary Art Museum Opened in 2006

The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) opened in December 2006, adjacent to QAG. Designed by Australian firm Architectus after a 2002 competition, GOMA is Australia's largest contemporary art museum. Its architecture features column-free, transparent windows facing the Brisbane River, embodying the concept of a "museum looking at the Pacific." GOMA's opening significantly bolstered Queensland's contemporary art scene and its engagement with international art dialogues.

The Asia Pacific Triennial (APT): A Unique Global Platform Since 1993

QAGOMA's signature program is the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT), which began at QAG in 1993. Held every three years, APT is the world's only large-scale recurring exhibition dedicated to contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region. It features approximately 100 emerging and established artists from Australia, China, Korea, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, and Oceania, positioning Brisbane as an "intellectual hub" for Asia-Pacific art. APT is recognized as the only "authentic" contemporary art biennale/triennale in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting art professionals globally during its run (typically November to April).

QAGOMA's Diverse Collection

QAGOMA boasts an extensive collection with particular strengths in Australian Indigenous art, Australian contemporary art, and Asia-Pacific contemporary art. It also holds works by global masters such as Sean Scully and Nan Goldin, alongside notable artists from the Asia-Pacific region. QAG's collection spans late 19th to early 20th-century Australian and European art, while GOMA focuses on contemporary art from the mid-20th century onwards, especially from the Asia-Pacific. This dual approach allows QAGOMA to offer a comprehensive artistic spectrum.

Key Spaces: Watermall, First Nations Gallery, Children's Art Centre, Cinémathèque

• Watermall (QAG): A symbolic space within the QAG main building, featuring a 12-meter-high hall with a shallow water feature reflecting large sculptures. Natural light from the ceiling creates a dynamic atmosphere, making it a must-see.
• First Nations Gallery (QAG): Occupying the entire second floor of QAG, this gallery permanently exhibits art by Australian Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It showcases large-scale paintings by artists like Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Lachlan Magarey, and Kubenpi Gammer, presented chronologically to highlight the depth and evolution of Indigenous culture.
• Children's Art Centre (GOMA): The world's largest dedicated art space for children, located within GOMA. It offers interactive, exhibition-linked programs for families, encouraging children to engage with art through creative activities and fostering artistic literacy.
• Cinémathèque (GOMA): Situated in GOMA's basement, this is Australia's only public art museum-affiliated cinematheque. It screens a diverse range of artist films, experimental cinema, and international masterworks, serving as a hub for video art and offering educational programs and discussions.

APT 11 (2024) and APT 12 (2027)

The most recent Asia Pacific Triennial, APT 11, took place in 2024, focusing on artists addressing climate change in the Pacific Islands. The next installment, APT 12, is scheduled for 2027. APT consistently explores new themes and artists, reflecting current trends in Asia-Pacific contemporary art and contributing to global artistic discourse.

Visitor Information

Admission to QAGOMA is free. The galleries are open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays. They are closed only on Good Friday and Christmas Day. A visit to both QAG and GOMA typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours. QAGOMA is part of the South Bank cultural precinct, making it easy to combine with visits to the State Library, Museum, and QPAC. The riverwalk and artificial Streets Beach are also within walking distance. During APT periods (usually November to April), hotel bookings in Brisbane may be challenging, so advance reservations are recommended.