Brisbane’s art scene has rapidly evolved into an expanding and bustling scenario over the past few decades. From cutting-edge displays of art to extravagant modern collections in its museums and the galleries populating the vibrant district of Brunswick Street and Fortitude Valley, here are some of the top attractions you should visit as an art lover. Remember to book Brisbane bus hire for your travel group so that you can tour as many attractions as possible!
Table of Contents
1. Queensland Art Gallery – Gallery of Modern Art
(Main foyer of Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Queensland)
The Gallery of Modern Art has quickly become one of the largest modern art galleries in the country, with its rapport stretching beyond the Australian boundary. GOMA, being home to masterpieces by Ai Weiwei and many others, was launched by the 5th Asia Pacific Triennial and has since offered a wide variety of exhibitions, including the likes of Cai Guo-Qiang’s “Falling Back to Earth,” Picasso’s collection, Andy Warhol, and popular Australian artists like Anish Kapoor, Rosemary Laing, Tracey Moffatt, Fiona Hall, William Robinson, Damien Hirst, and Martin Creed.
Besides the collection, this beautiful piece of architecture, designed by the Architectus studio, enjoys a stunning location on the south bank of the Brisbane River, with the main pavilion being the lightbox on the riverside and the dark box on the roadside. Step into the contemporary scene of Brisbane’s art along with stocked art merchandise and some live music.
2. QUT Art Museum
(QUT Art Museum Front View)
Next to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and just across the river is the Art Museum in Queensland University of Technology. It is home to a massive collection of paperwork, decorative arts, ceramics, sculptures, and paintings. With a strong focus on modern Australian art, the museum has everything from Torres Strait Islander art to modern Australian and Aboriginal prints.
A well-known QUT alumnus, William Robinson, has contributed as many as 70 paintings to enrich the collections. The lowest level of the university building was turned into an open gallery space to display the finest pieces and new acquisitions from the Art Collection, alongside regular exhibitions that induce thought-provoking modern art.
3. Institute of Modern Art
(Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane)
Known to be one of the first modern art venues to appear on Australian territory, the Institute of Modern Art was established in 1975 and has since then become a part of the colorful Judith Wright Centre. This secluded creative arts space fosters the development of modern arts with a diverse mix of theatrical, musical, dance, circus, and cabaret performances.
Running an extensive list of events and exhibitions with stimulating multimedia and installations, along with moving sounds and images, the IMA finds comfort in this vibrant hub. The captivating screenings and mind-blowing artists will take things to an all-new level you can’t even imagine.
4. Philip Bacon Galleries
(Philip Bacon Galleries)
It was still in his college days when Philip Bacon, along with his group of friends, including artists Lawrence Daws and Charles Blackman, opened their own gallery in 1974. They transformed a tile warehouse in Fortitude Valley into an exhibition space, which has stood the test of time to emerge as one of the leading modern art galleries in Australia.
Philip Bacon Gallery underwent a major renovation in 2001, with a makeover planned by Cox Architecture turning the space into a light-filled premise, housing some of the best artworks up to date. The exhibits are known to attract art lovers from around the country, backed by substantial stockroom holdings, showcasing masterpieces by the most acclaimed national artists, such as Tim Storrier, Robert Dickerson, Margaret Olley, and William Robinson.
5. Jan Murphy Gallery
(Jan Murphy Gallery, Brisbane)
Ever since its inception almost a couple of decades back, Jan Murphy Gallery on Brunswick Street has never failed to impress the critics. Some of the most innovative art pieces are displayed from the three windows, thanks to one of the leading names in the city’s contemporary art scene. Both established and emerging artists have put up their work on show, with each of the windows framing an exhibition space for the audience.
A deep pledge to Australian art has brought together the abstract and animate pictures of Rhys Lee, the powerful portraits of Ben Quilty, and the vibrant curves of Kirra Jamison, along with many others.
6. Edwina Corlette Gallery
(Edwina Corlette Gallery, Brisbane)
Before setting up her own exhibition space at the thrilling vibes of Brunswick Street, Edwina Corlette previously worked with Jan Murphy. Her spacious gallery is situated just near to that of Murphy’s. The basic objective of Edwina Corlette Gallery is to promote a select group of artists, mostly from the South Pacific and Australia.
As the exhibitions roll, the gallery sees a range of media populating its rooms, including digital art, installation, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and painting. Some of the key names associated with this gallery include Bundit Puangthong, Marisa Purcell, and Mark Whalen.
7. Spiro Grace Art Rooms
(Spiro Grace Art Rooms, Brisbane)
A terrific transformation of an eccentric and unconventional Spring Hill cottage gave birth to a fantastic space of artistic excellence. Spiro Grace Art Rooms (SGAR) is a wonderful fusion of design and art open to the public. Planned in a rolling series of events and exhibitions, the vibrant scene at SGAR touches borders between design and artistic media to discover the potential of their integration.
Ever since its inception in 2010, the art gallery has been promoting cutting-edge artwork by emerging and established local artists. Among recent exhibitions were Gerwyn Davies’s “Beast,” a colorful combination of photography and costume art, and Daniel Templeman’s installations, inviting the viewer to occupy a space within the artwork.
8. Woolloongabba Art Gallery
(Woolloongabba Art Gallery, Brisbane)
Holding a strong focus on modern Australasian art, the Woolloongabba Art Gallery is tucked in a federation space with a row of shops comprising three exhibition spaces, home to a large collection of photographic works, installations, ceramics, sculptures, and paintings. It holds an extensive assortment of Aboriginal art and strives to support emerging artists.
The kind of artworks displayed in the gallery shows an intent to nurture the encounter of different cultures, driven by a strong emphasis on multiculturalism that portrays Australian society. Recent displays at the Gallery include David Jones’s “Turtleboy” and “Cabinet of Curiosity.” It was aimed at reflecting the obstacles to eradicating prejudice.
What are the top art attractions in Brisbane?
Highlights include Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), QUT Art Museum, Institute of Modern Art, Philip Bacon Galleries, Jan Murphy Gallery, Edwina Corlette Gallery, Spiro Grace Art Rooms, and Woolloongabba Art Gallery.
Why is the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) a must-visit?
GOMA is one of Australia’s largest modern art galleries, showcasing international names like Ai Weiwei and Andy Warhol alongside leading Australian artists such as Tracey Moffatt and Fiona Hall, all within an award-winning riverside building.
Which Brisbane galleries support emerging artists?
Jan Murphy Gallery, Edwina Corlette Gallery, Spiro Grace Art Rooms, and Woolloongabba Art Gallery are known for spotlighting contemporary and emerging talent, often blending traditional and experimental art forms.
Where can visitors explore Indigenous and multicultural art in Brisbane?
QUT Art Museum presents Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art, while Woolloongabba Art Gallery focuses on modern Australasian and multicultural works, including strong Aboriginal art collections.
How does bus hire enhance group art tours in Brisbane?
Bus hire allows groups to comfortably move between multiple galleries in a day, avoids parking hassles in busy districts like Fortitude Valley, and ensures a relaxed, organized art-focused itinerary.
