The Gallery of Modern Art, or GOMA as it’s known to locals, is a wonderful place for families to explore, learn and experience contemporary art in Brisbane. Housed in an impressive building on the banks of the Brisbane River, it is the largest gallery of contemporary and modern art in Australia. With a dedicated Children’s Art Centre, it is the perfect place for families to spend a few hours experiencing different cultures, people and places through vibrant and contemporary art.
GOMA’s location and exhibitions lend themselves to plenty of photo opportunities, but just remember—selfie sticks are banned at this gallery!
Activities include:
- Enjoy the natural beauty and city sights surrounding GOMA. Have a picnic under the shady trees or a coffee in the café which overlooks the Brisbane River.
- Take a pad and pencils and sketch the outdoor sculpture – The World Turns by Michael Parekowhai. Kids will love to have a look and a giggle at this nonsensical elephant.
- The Children’s Art Centre is a wonderful place for children to not only admire modern artwork, but to discover their own inner artist. The exhibitions change throughout the year, but are always engaging and interactive. Check the web site to find out what’s currently on offer at The Children’s Art Centre.
- Toddler Tuesday is a popular weekly workshop for children aged 18 months to four years and includes games, storytelling, making and looking activities. Bookings are essential.
- The rest of the gallery hosts some amazing works and exhibitions which older children will appreciate. There is also a cinémathèque with two cinemas showcasing the work of influential film makers and artists. Check the web site for current and upcoming programming.
Click on the images to enlarge:
Age
All ages.
Everyone can learn something from a trip to GOMA. Even the youngest of visitors will enjoy the colours, patterns and interactive art activities in The Children’s Art Centre. However, you will need to closely supervise your children in other areas of the gallery as the artworks are closely monitored by security.
Duration
The air conditioned GOMA building makes a welcome respite on a hot Brisbane day, or a dry refuge on a rainy day. A morning or an afternoon is plenty of time for a family to spend at GOMA, however, The State Library, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery and The Sciencentre are all within close walking distance if you wish to make a day of it.
Accessibility
GOMA is very accessible for people with a disability. A number of parking bays for visitors with a disability are located in each of the three car parks within the cultural precinct. A temporary set down area for Australian Disability Parking Scheme permit holders is located on Stanley Place. GOMA is accessible by wheelchair and has wheelchair accessible toilets. You can also book a wheelchair to use at the gallery at no charge. In addition, an infra-red hearing loop system is available in the Australian Cinémathèque at GOMA. Guide dogs are welcome and GOMA offers guided tours for visitors with special needs. Find out more on their website.
Facilities
- Gift shop
- Undercover parking available (for a fee)
- Public transport close by – bus, train and CityCat
- Free Wi-Fi throughout gallery
- The Children’s Art Centre
- Wheelchair and pram accessible toilets
- Casual café and fine dining restaurant
Cost
Entry to GOMA is free, except for special exhibitions. Check the GOMA web site for information on ticketed exhibitions.
Opening hours
GOMA is open daily between 10.00 am and 5.00pm, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. On ANZAC Day, the gallery opens at 12 noon. The ticket desk for ticketed exhibitions closes at 4.00pm.
Website
Contact details
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) are located 150 metres from each other, on the south bank of the Brisbane River. Entrance to both buildings is possible from Stanley Place.
Stanley Place
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone (07) 3840 7303
Email gallery@qagoma.qld.gov.au.
Google Map
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More information
For more information on child friendly events and things to do in Brisbane – visit http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/