The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) operates as a single institution across two adjacent riverside buildings in Brisbane's South Bank Cultural Precinct. The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), the older of the two sites, sits near the Victoria Bridge with a riverfront entrance off Melbourne Street, while the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) stands 150 metres away with both buildings accessible from Stanley Place.
GOMA and the Asia Pacific Triennial
GOMA opened in 2006 specifically to house the growing Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT), QAGOMA's flagship exhibition series. Construction began in 2004, and the building was completed in time for the 5th Asia Pacific Triennial, instantly doubling the exhibition space available across both gallery sites. GOMA was the first state gallery building in Australia dedicated entirely to contemporary art, a development driven by the ambition and success of the APT series.
The Asia Pacific Triennial launched in 1993 and has since drawn more than four million visitors. The exhibition focuses on contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region, with recent editions featuring approximately 70 to 75 artists, collectives and projects from more than 27 to 30 countries. The scale and regional focus of the APT convinced government supporters that a purpose-built modern gallery was necessary to properly present the work.
Collections and Exhibitions
QAGOMA's exhibition programme spans contemporary installations and historical collections. GOMA houses expansive spaces for large-scale contemporary work alongside intimate galleries for smaller pieces. The building includes the Children's Art Centre, which presents interactive artworks designed for families, and a cinema that screens international film programmes.
Recent exhibitions have included works by Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, First Nations storytelling projects, and collections highlighting regional artistic traditions. The galleries maintain a focus on Asia-Pacific art while also presenting European and international contemporary work. General admission to the permanent collection areas is free, though special exhibitions may require ticketed entry.
Visiting Practicalities
QAGOMA opens to the public at 10:00 each day, with early-access guided tours occasionally available before standard opening hours. The galleries are located within walking distance of Brisbane's CBD, adjacent to South Bank Parklands, and accessible by multiple transport options including ferry services along the Brisbane River. Both QAG and GOMA can be visited in a single outing given their proximity, and the riverside location integrates the galleries into the broader South Bank cultural and recreational precinct.
Visitors should check the QAGOMA website for current exhibition details, as the programme changes regularly and some exhibitions require advance booking during peak periods. The GOMA Bistro provides dining options with river views, and the surrounding parklands offer outdoor space before or after gallery visits.
Sources: QAGOMA Official Website • QAGOMA Visit Information • Asia Pacific Triennial - QAGOMA • Queensland Art Gallery - Wikipedia