Queensland Art Gallery

The Queensland Art Gallery sits on the river-facing edge of South Bank in Brisbane and forms one half of the state’s two-campus visual arts institution alongside the nearby Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). The QAG building, completed as part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, uses light-colored materials and stepped internal galleries to suit Brisbane’s subtropical setting and was recognised with an award for enduring architecture.

The gallery began in 1895 as the Queensland National Art Gallery and occupied a series of temporary sites before moving into the Robin Gibson-designed cultural centre on South Bank in 1982; it was listed as a State Heritage Place in 2015. Over time the gallery’s program expanded to include the Asia Pacific Triennial series, which established the institution as a major center for contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region. The gallery also has a long-standing commitment to profiling Indigenous Australian art.

Visiting QAG gives a mix of permanent-collection displays, rotating special exhibitions and public programs including hands-on learning for children. The building’s internal Watermall is a distinctive circulation and display space that often hosts large installations; the riverside location places the galleries a short walk from the green spaces, cafes and promenades of the South Bank precinct.

• Watermall: A central, linear interior space that separates exhibition galleries from public-program areas and is frequently used for large-scale installations.
• Asia Pacific Triennial displays: The gallery’s flagship Triennial series showcases contemporary art from across the Asia-Pacific and often introduces major works to the collection.
• Indigenous Australian art: A strong focus of the collection, with works and displays that highlight Queensland and national Indigenous artists and cultural practices.
• Children's Art Centre: Museum-based learning and hands-on programs for young visitors make this a destination for families interested in participatory art activities.
• Robin Gibson architecture and river views: The 1982 cultural-centre building is notable for its enduring design and offers pleasant riverside approaches and views toward the South Bank Parklands.

The gallery is in the South Bank precinct of Brisbane. The nearest major airport is Brisbane Airport (domestic and international); from the city center South Bank and South Brisbane railway stations provide the closest rail access and are a short walk from the galleries.

From the stations the gallery is reached on foot through the parklands or via short taxi or rideshare trips; suburban buses and the city’s river ferries (CityCat) also serve the South Bank area - check current timetables and routes for the best option.

• Check whether special exhibitions require timed or paid tickets before you go, as entry conditions can differ from the permanent displays.
• Allow time to visit both the Queensland Art Gallery and the nearby Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in a single outing.
• Combine your visit with a walk around the South Bank Parklands for cafés, gardens and riverfront paths.
• Weekday mornings are generally quieter for viewing galleries; travel light because large bags may be subject to museum restrictions.