GOMA

Since opening over 15 years ago, GOMA has quickly established itself as the proverbial jewel in Brisbane’s visual arts crown. 

From its inaugural exhibition hosting the brilliant Asia Pacific Triennale, it has followed with blockbusting Andy Warhol, Picasso and Friends, Patricia Piccinini, Optimism, Water, Masterpieces from the Met, The Motorcycle and several other APT blockbusters as well as more niche exhibits such as the Easton Pearson Collection and William Yang's photography.

With its own permanent children’s art centre that engages children with activities themed to coincide with the current exhibit, its Cinematheque films and its Up Late openings which incorporate live music and cocktail parties and a sleek Members Lounge, GOMA is an arts hub for everyone from 0 to 100.

Regardless of whether there is an exhibition there are some outstanding permanent installations by artists. Don’t miss the dream-like Infinity Room on the upper level, the highly evocative works of Anish Kapoor, or (when not touring) the mesmerising realism of Ron Mueck’s giant ‘Woman in Bed.’

Beyond the artworks inside, the building itself is a modern architectural masterpiece, achieved by its innovative architects Architectus on a budget befitting something far more ordinary. On one side of its coastal pavilion shell is the light box – the glass wall overlooking the river and the city and on the other the black box, whereby the protruding dark boxes on the roadside are in fact the cinematheques.

Nice to know - Touches such as art installations incorporated into the washbasins ensure that art is experienced on all levels.

Need to know - Entry is free (including the children’s art centre) except for blockbuster exhibitions. Cinematheque is free when part of the latter.