This free museum is one of Australia’s leading contemporary art galleries and a great place to visit with children.
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is one of the Asia-Pacific region’s most important contemporary art institutions. GoMA profiles indigenous Australian and Asia-Pacific artwork, which makes the exhibits even more relevant. Browse paintings, abstract sculptures, photographs and video installations and let the kids interact with the child-friendly exhibits.
The gallery opened in 2006 and occupies one of Brisbane’s most outstanding buildings and is surrounded by gardens and statues. Enter the enormous main hall, which is often occupied by large-scale sculptures and interactive exhibits that entertain children and adults alike.
In the Australian section you’ll find post-conceptual sculptures that question the nature of art, video installations addressing the national identity, and a large range of drawings, paintings and ceramics. Don’t miss the impressive collection of contemporary Aboriginal art including woven fibers and bark paintings.
Move on to see works from across the Pacific region. Expressed in a variety of media from very different cultures, it’s a diverse exhibit. Admire textiles from Papua New Guinea and Maori works dealing with New Zealand’s colonisation, including one of the most remarkable sculptures in the collection, Michael Parekowhai’s The Horn of Africa.
Check out the Asian collection to see calligraphic works, prints and video installations from China, Vietnam, India and beyond. Many draw on traditional philosophies and cultural practices to comment on changes brought about by globalization and emigration.
In the International galleries you can find works and photographs from around the Western world and the Middle East.
GoMA often hosts special exhibitions, which tend to take centre stage, so some works in the permanent collection may not be on display during your visit. Check the website for details.
The Gallery of Modern Art is in the Cultural Centre on South Bank, a short walk across the river from downtown. Parking is limited and expensive, but the gallery is easily accessible by public transport. General admission is free, but many special exhibitions require an entry fee. GoMA is part of the Queensland Art Gallery, which is housed nearby.
