The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is one of Australia's most exciting and respected creative precincts. The complex spans two buildings, idyllically located by the water in South Bank, Brisbane.
While the Queensland Art Gallery has been residing at this location since 1982, the gallery itself actually dates back to 1895. The Gallery of Modern Art annex was opened in 2006 and these days the two galleries house an impressive permanent collection – in addition to hosting regular temporary exhibitions. Since 1993, QAGOMA has also been hosting the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, which draws around three million visitors through the doors.
QAGOMA is easy to get to by bus or train and has cafés and lovely, grassy areas for lunch breaks nearby. Grab a bite from the GOMA kiosk and make friends with the many water dragon lizards who like to lounge around by the river.
The complex also features a Children's Art Centre filled with interactive exhibits which they claim are “for kids”, but everyone knows that also means “kids at heart”. Check out their website for a themed cinématèque program too.