Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art

Mind you, I’m from Washington, DC, quite possibly the world’s best place for free museums, and I’m pretty impressed with what Brisbane has on offer. The two large galleries sandwiching the impressive State Library (which also has some exhibitions) are regular haunts of mine.
The walking tour I did of GoMA lasted an hour and only covered one floor (of three, and not even the whole floor really). It’s quite substantial. I like the QAG marginally less, as it is the more conventional of the two. GoMA has a wide variety of interactive, three-​dimensional, and audiovisual art, while QAG tends more towards static paintings and sculptures (though the secluded garden and its fountains are very nice). Both are kid-​friendly, but hardly to excess. Both have fancy eating venues.
I will be disappointed when the Asia Pacific Triennial, their current exhibition, is done with. It includes pieces from many of the lesser-​known countries, which is both of educational value but also quite aesthetically stimulating. Maybe their other exhibitions aren’t as good, but I’m guessing there will still be something worthwhile.
My main sources of irritation are their bag policy (you can’t take anything bigger than a decent size messenger bag, meaning I have to check my backpack if I have one, and making it impractical to walk through the QAG as a thoroughfare despite its central location), and their hours (10 – 5). I can see the reasons for these things, but they reduce the galleries’ value to me, and are unlikely to change. That being said, I imagine I’ll continue to drop in now and then when I’m in the market for some aesthetic pleasure.

Well, what can I say, two art galleries almost next to each other. Okay, the QAGOMA is strictly modern art and seems to be where the temporary exhibitions are on display, while the art gallery has the permanent exhibitions. Mind you, when I first went into the Queensland art gallery I was expecting to see it full of traditional art so I was a little surprised to see this huge room full of modern art (the word full is probably a misnomer because there was a lot of empty space — which seems to be the thing with some modern art). However I did end up finding the more traditional art works, though I noticed that they tended to be confined into the smaller rooms since it quickly became apparent that there were more modern art pieces here than otherwise. They do have an international collection, but it is actually really small. Then again, it seems that this gallery is more focused on local art as opposed to art from around the world. Oh, I should also mention that the David Lynch exhibition I saw in the QAGOMA was pretty impressive.

Not much to add that other reviewers haven’t already said. Great gallery although not huge. But it’s free!
Some highlights: Loureiro’s Spirit of the New Moon in the Australian art section; Ay-o’s rainbow art, which is really trippy; and the spinning car wash mops, they’re mesmerizing.

Just reviewing the Art Gallery, not the modern art section.
Located on the river bank just across from the CBD part of the cultural complex. Combined with the GoMA and the museum next door the cultural centre is a great place to fill on afternoon.
I found the gallery well spaced out, the artwork was not cluttered together hanging on every inch of wall.
Whilst the current exhibition did not take my fancy there were some lovely pieces in the regular collection. Although it was possible too large I did like the water feature.
There is the modern art gallery that you can access as well.

You could spend days in the galleries of the Qld Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, perched on the edge of the Brisbane River as part of the broader Qld Cultural Centre complex. The Art Gallery has a vast collection representing Australian and international artworks in a number of mediums including painting, sculpture, textiles and indigenous art. There are cafes, quiet locations to sit and contemplate, kids programs and a gallery shop in addition to (paid) temporary exhibitions such as the recent California Design and Quilt exhibits.
150m away from the Art Gallery, newer kid on the block, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) has been a runaway success from the moment it opened. Soaring galleries allow multi level installations, with fun and thought provoking exhibits that change regularly. GOMA has a well rated fine dining restaurant as well as cafes, a large gift shop as well as a program of talks. Kids GOMA is an important aspect of the gallery with special themes tying in to temporary exhibitions. Anyone who visited the photo booth at Warhol for Kids can tell you just how fun it is for adults too!

So a friend from interstate is coming to town and wants you to show them around Brisbane. What do you do, what do you do?
Well considering that Brisbane is the hippest city in Australia in 2014 according to Lonely Planet then there should be a lot of things that you should be doing.
But GoMA definitely has to be on your must do list. Whether you just wander around the free exhibitions or check out one of the world class leading exhibits that they’ve brought to town you won’t be disappointed.
A great way to either start or end your day is to go down to the GoMA café for a nice meal and or drink down by the river.

I went here to check out the art exhibits. I was not disappointed either. I guess there is no point talking about the exhibits as they are changed quite frequently, but be sure to check out the architecture of the buildings. Love the flat roofs!
I loved how they really catered for the kids having separate plaques explaining certain pieces of arts in «kid speak». There was also kids stations around the galleries which cultivated young artistic minds.

I was lucky enough to go to GOMA on a quiet midday morning and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through this amazing place. I love that you only have to give a donation to get in. The exhibits do change so I can’t tell you exactly what you will see but I can tell you that there were some truly beautiful art in every section of this beautiful building. The kids I visited with enjoyed it as well especially the man in the tv that seemed to follow you around the room. The exhibits range from the wacky to the sublime. This beautiful gallery will not disappoint. I love that Brisbane has such an amazing showpiece right on the river.

Do you want to see 3 one meter wide balls painted in varying shades? Are you having a hankering for some red clay pots? What about a piece of industrial plastic material nailed to a wall? If so, this is definitely the place for you … (you poor strange creature!).
There are certainly modern art museums that I love — Sydney and Melbourne for example have imaginative, wonder-​filled collections that are emotionally and intellectually engaging. But I’m not sure what I am supposed to think/​feel about a sheet of plastic or a painted ball. The GOMA collection just didn’t work for me.
The views of the river from inside are quite nice though — once you find the way into the museum … (the door faces east, and is next to the state library).
*Caveats to this review: it seemed as though about half of the collection was closed off, so I did not see everything they had, and certainly visiting exhibits could improve things.**

Well, I’m studying art history, I should be getting here more often.
There’s some great artworks on display, and heading in during the week it’s incredibly peaceful. There always seems to be something new happening, and you can catch some great movies in the cinemas at GoMA too.
Remind me to come here more often?

GoMA is an amazing asset to Brisbane. If ever you need some time to yourself, a wander through GoMA is perfect stress relief. Highly recommend checking out the kids section (usually downstairs) — it’s usually got something that is fun for «big kids» and is always worth a play!

Brisbane gets a lot of flack for being «a big country town» and, while that’s still true in some ways, I think we Brisbanites need to be reminded sometimes that we’re actually doing pretty well. Not only are we beginning to develop quite an individual culinary scene, we’re also bounding ahead in terms of our cultural scene.
GoMA and QAG somehow manage to get some absolutely incredible exhibits, including the triennial APT, Valentino, Andy Warhol, Matisse, Ron Mueck, and countless others. Not only do these come to Brisbane, some of them are EXCLUSIVELY in Brisbane. The gallery is well laid-​out, both leading you through the exhibits while also allowing you some degree of control over where you go (though, of course, some paid exhibits will force you through in one direction!).
There is also quite a good café/​restaurant at GoMA, though I am yet to try them properly (and am not aware of any veg options that they have).
Top it all off with a fantastic location that has quick access to public transport (trains, buses, and the CityCat) and is walking distance from the CBD, QPAC, the Queensland Museum, South Bank and (slightly longer to) West End, AND a fantastic view of the river (with a gorgeous park to sit in), GoMA and QAG are always worth a visit.

What a great gallery, I came for the Portraits of Spain exhibition and myyy was it great. I love Spain, so going to view this was a great opportunity. Again I disliked not being able to take photos, but I did purchase the book. Which has all the art and explanation I went through, so I can forever remember. I hope to one day make to Spain. Overall, this gallery is very neat, spacious, and the staff were also friendly here. I would definitely come here often, if I was living here. Even viewing this place from outside it looks inviting.

GoMA is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up Brisbane’s cultural centre precinct along South Bank. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking in the latest exhibition or just sitting on the grassy knolls taking in views of the city — it stands proudly and says «Brisbane, you’re not so bad, you know that?»
GoMA proudly housed the Valentino Retrospect in 2011 (an opportunity our bustling metro-​siblings Sydney and Melbourne didn’t get) the exhibitions keep getting better. Matisse, Surrealism to name but a few.
So indulge your artistic sensibilities and immerse yourself in a cultural experience amidst the simplicity and serene atmosphere of GoMA.

I will admit to not having spent a lot of time wandering GOMA, but when I have been there, I was impressed. What a fantastic coup for Brisbane to have such a wonderful arts space that draws top shelf international exhibitions.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of going to Up Late at the Matisse exhibition. While I wasn’t particularly thrilled by the exhibition itself, I was impressed with the thought that had been put into the ‘Drawing Room’. It did its job of bringing to life Matisse’s daily working environment. Over a few drinks and some great music, our gaggle of gals was able to get a sense of what goes into a daily drawing practice. My fruit bowl will never win any awards, but it was a great night.
GOMA itself is an incredible space — modern, open, glass and spaces to languish out by the river, a nice little café. To date, I have loved what I’ve seen, but I’m looking forward to spending some more time exploring the permanent exhibitions.

I think maybe QAG gets overshadowed by GOMA these days, but I have to say I actually prefer the former to the latter. The thing I love about QAG is the gallery space itself. Glass walls let the outside in, whilst shallow interior pools bring a feeling of calm with its water sitting still and smooth within the museum. Spherical fountains outside resemble dandelions, blowing in the breeze.
Free access to the general museum space and fixed collection means that Brisbanites can wander in there whenever they want. I find it quite a relaxing space to spend time in and it’s always nice to be able to revisit the beauties hanging in the fixed collection with no time or monetary constraints.
There are, of course, always ticketed exhibitions on, but you don’t need to pay money to enjoy QAG – just wander on in when you have a spare moment and enjoy the serenity.

I’m so proud that Brisbane is the home of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) which gets so many international exhibitions.
Andy Warhol, Surrealism, Valentino, Mattisse. GOMA has been the only place in Australia displaying these exhibitions.
The main exhibition is ticketed (usually priced at $ 20) but there is always a selection of other minor exhibitions which are available to visit for free.
There’s also a lovely café downstairs, facing the river and a nice grassy area to hang out in and read a book.
GOMA also has the Cinémathèque — which has 2 cinemas and shows retrospective and thematic film programs and exhibitions.

We travelled to Brisbane Australia last summer. The first place on our list was the Queensland Art Gallery/​GOMA. I first went into their bookstore and browsed the many incredible books on art .I spent an hour going through all the Modern Aboriginal art section. Vast and comprehensive. I think I blew a few hundred bucks on some awesome books. That was what struck us about this museum that it is very rare to see Modern aboriginal work being prominently displayed in museums in general. There is a very Large room on the second floor dedicated to the modern aboriginal art. By far the most exciting room of paintings iv’e ever seen. So inspired by this work later we ended up buying a fantastic painting from a non profit gallery in sydney called The Artery (Best of Sydney 2011) by Kabbuji Kingware.
I also went to see the surrealism show on at the time. I really loved this museum. If you get the chance, 5 stars Its worth it! I Can’t wait to go back

Now it is important to understand that the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, while obviously connected, are actually two quite different venues with different atmospheres and things on offer.
The Gallery of Modern Art is probably the more famous and busier of the two, housing a very impressive collection and often hosting touring exhibitions such as the Warhol, Picasso, Surrealism, or the current Matisse drawing exhibition. These are often a draw card to the gallery and are great for locals as it means we get a chance to see many of the world’s most famous artists trough out the year. The special exhibitions are a little pricey ($ 20 for an adult) and often the majority of it is made up of artist sketches, studies and notebooks and the like with a few famous and finished artworks thrown in. Still, I will happily pay the price for the probably once in a lifetime chance to see these works. GOMA always makes it an experience too, with interactive components, like the current drawing room connected to the Matisse Exhibition allowing you to sit and be inspired by the master.
GOMA is often overcrowded but worth going to see because of both its collection and the special exhibitions. It also has the Cinematheque on level 1 (near the main entrance) which has some great screenings like the recent Hitchcock retrospective or the upcoming Drawn to Screen (graphic novel and comic book adaptations). With their unique film schedule, these cinemas are intimate and comfortable and definitely make for a more interesting night out than going to the local chain cinema showing only blockbuster films. I highly recommend keeping track of what is showing by stalking their website and facebook page regularly.
Now I feel like it is only fair to give The Queensland Art Gallery a separate review since it is quite different to GOMA. It houses an impressive and diverse collection of art, from antiquities to more modern art. You can find a very nice Degas on display here from his dancers series, as well as some interesting Bronze sculptures from Rodin, and the Watermall level is just breathtaking. It is free to enter and see the regular collection and they also have spaces for special exhibitions, such as the fantastic Daphne Mayo Sculpture exhibition showing until mid January.
I almost prefer the Queensland Art Gallery over the Gallery of Modern Art simply because it tends to be less busy and I can happily take my time soaking in the captivating artworks on display. Thankfully they are situated at Southbank, so you can quite happily visit both on the same day if you want, although that is quite a lot of art to take in in one day. While the galleries are a tourist attraction they offer a lot to locals and enrich the culture in Brisbane. I definitely recommend visiting these galleries not once but many times as their exhibitions change frequently throughout the year.

I know Brisbane get’s a bad rap for being
less culturally inclined than some cities,
(read. MELBOURNE)
but to me the fact that we have something like GOMA
makes me feel the sunshine state ain’t as bad as people say.
GOMA is a world standard art gallery.
I’ve been to galleries and museums similar to GOMA where I’ve had to PAY to get in
and for the admission I’ve seen less than half the things
I would have seen at Brisbane’s monolith of culture.
I feel so spoiled that every 6 months or so I get to go down
and see a brand new exhibition in town.
I’ve seen greats from Dali and Picasso to Warhol, Matisse and Valentino.
Be sure to ALWAYS check out the children’s centre downstairs.
I don’t care how old you think you are,
one hour in there and you’ll become a better person for it.
This year GOMA is turning 5 so be sure to come down to Southbank
and see what they have cooked up for the festivities.