The best art galleries in Brisbane worth visiting right now

What is it? 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. 

Why go? 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 3 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. 

Must-see exhibition: Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (November to April) 

What is it? While technically a museum, the Museum of Brisbane (MoB) has a big emphasis on fine art, with plenty of fun stuff for kids too, in a lively series of curated exhibitions throughout the year. 

Why go? In contrast to the 90-year-old heritage building it resides in, the MoB is a contemporary space featuring five galleries – explore on your own or book in for one of its tours. You can even take a free tour up to the very top of the clock tower, which was at one time the tallest building in Brisbane. 

Must-see exhibition: Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Precinct Public Art Tour (Every Wednesday at 3pm and Saturday at 9am). The walking tour departs from the George Street entry of The Star in front of Lindy Lee’s sculpture Being Swallowed by the Milky Way.

What is it? Woolloongabba Art Gallery has been shining a light on contemporary art from Australasia for more than 20 years.

Why go? With three gallery spaces and a diverse range of early career and established artists on its books, Woolloongabba Art Gallery is dedicated to the exhibition and sale of contemporary works and to furthering the dialogue for a multicultural Australia. Importantly, Woolloongabba Art Gallery sources all works for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander exhibitions from 100 per cent owned and operated arts centres (the team also continues to foster strong relationships with remote communities). For those who are looking to start their art collections, the gallery's two directors share more than 50 years of experience and are happy to provide art consultancy services for the novices right through to serious collectors.

Must-see exhibition: You can check out the calendar of touring exhibitions here.

What is it? The number and history of Brisbane's contemporary arts institutions is quite staggering, and this free gallery in the Valley has a 45-year history of supporting, nurturing and spotlighting contemporary Australian art practice.

Why go? Brisbane's Institute of Modern Art (IMA) has an impressive resume of artists, including Hany Armanious, Kate Parker, Robert MacPherson, Fred Williams, Imants Tillers, Angelica Mesiti, Chicks on Speed and Brook Andrew – to name a tiny, tiny few. The IMA has occupied a few different buildings over the years but is currently the centrepiece of the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, which opened in 2001. There are several different exhibition spaces here hosting up to five shows at once.

Must-see exhibition: You can discover upcoming exhibitions here.

What is it? OK, so not in Brisbane per se, rather an hour's drive south, but boy is it worth the journey. HOTA Gallery is a world-class fine art gallery housed in a six-level facility – a multicoloured high-rise building visible from kilometres away that in turn enjoys 360-degree views of the Gold Coast region. 

Why go? You have 1,000 square metres of special exhibition space for touring shows to explore at HOTA, along with a children's activity zone and four levels of permanent exhibition space. Here, you'll find an entertaining and vibrant selection of Australian contemporary art, showcasing 1970s abstraction, ceramics (through the International Gold Coast Ceramic Art Award), photography (through the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award) and Indigenous art. Naturally, there is a strain of art inspired by the Gold Coast itself. 

Must-see exhibition: Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award (December to May)

What is it? The University of Queensland's Art Museum is home to more than 4,400 artworks dating as far back as Australia's colonial period. That's not to say the collection, nor the museum, are static.

Why go? UQ Art Museum regularly seeks out new contemporary Australian works (especially those that explore contemporaneous issues), while the changing roster of exhibitions seeks to positively influence society. Unsurprisingly, you'll find UQ Art Museum at the UQ campus, inside the James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre (named after the sibling philanthropists).

Must-see exhibition: You can explore future exhibitions here.

What is it? Located upstairs at West End's laneway eatery The Burrow, this gallery supports the creative growth of Brisbane by providing a space for local visual artists of all levels.

Why go? The Burrow is a great place to get eyes on your work if you're the crafty sort, as the gallery displays artworks including (but not limited to) paintings on canvas, drawings, sculpture, photography, murals, contemporary craft and jewellery. Most of the artworks are up for sale, so if something catches your eye during a post-lunch gander, chances are you can make it yours to keep. The Burrow Art Gallery also hosts all sorts of arty happenings, with twice-weekly workshops and various exhibitions and events. Look out for the gallery's exhibition opening night events – food and drinks from the downstairs restaurant, plus live music and art make these nights go with a swing.

Must-see exhibition: The Burrow's opening night parties, which you can be the first to know about by following them on Instagram.

What is it? Sitting opposite the Botanic Gardens, QUT Art Museum presents contemporary art exhibitions from the Queensland University of Technology's sizeable collection of 3,000 objects dating back as far as 1945 (the museum itself was not opened until 2000). 

Why go? One of the gallery's major drawcards is that entry is always free, so it's a great way to get a taste of Brisbane's vibrant arts scene on a budget. Before leaving, make sure you check out the neighbouring William Robinson Gallery, which is dedicated to the Australian landscape artist of the same name.

Must-see exhibition: Take a virtual tour of their best exhibitions from the past here. Our favourites are miffy & friends and As Above, So Below.