Gallery of Modern Art

We visited the Presence exhibition by Olafur Eliasson and it was truly outstanding. The exhibition is immersive and thoughtfully curated, encouraging you to slow down and fully engage with the space. The installation featuring the sun was a major stand out, both visually and emotionally and the riverbed installation was equally impressive in how it transformed the gallery environment. Each room felt intentional and quietly powerful. One of the unexpected highlights for me was the LEGO table. It sounds simple but I could have easily spent hours there. It was playful, calming, and a lovely contrast to the scale and intensity of the surrounding works, showing how interactive and accessible the exhibition is for all ages. After the exhibition, we also spent time exploring the other galleries. The Archie Moore Kith and Kin exhibition was incredibly powerful and deeply emotional. It added a strong cultural and human layer to the visit and stayed with me long after leaving. Experiencing multiple exhibitions in one visit made the gallery feel rich, layered, and thoughtfully programmed. Beyond the exhibitions themselves, the gallery is a beautiful and very well designed space. It is easy to navigate, spacious, and filled with natural light. The facilities are excellent, including clean amenities and comfortable areas to pause and reflect. The staff throughout the gallery were extremely helpful, approachable and genuinely enthusiastic, which really elevated the experience. Overall, the Gallery of Modern Art is a must visit in Brisbane, whether you are deeply interested in contemporary art or simply looking for a meaningful and inspiring way to spend a few hours. We left feeling calm, moved, and genuinely inspired.

A truly beautiful art center — every floor has its own unique character and charm! It’s also incredibly family-friendly. The children’s area was wonderful, and Clare was exceptionally warm, friendly, and welcoming. Her bright smile and kindness made our visit such a joyful and memorable experience. Highly recommended! Instagram: @hkiscooll

We had a lovely day at the Gallery of Modern Art. We caught the CityCat over from another spot using the 50-cent fares, which made the trip easy and affordable. We enjoyed lunch there and then spent time exploring the gallery. There was plenty for kids to enjoy, and most of the exhibitions were free, which was a big bonus. A great, relaxed day out in the city for families.

Love supporting local artist! Parked at Caboolture train station for whole day, paid 50c on the train to South Brisbane station, and GOMA was a 6min walk! Loved the simplicity of such a great day! Beautiful artist, show casing their talents. 100% recommend to all.

Wonderful place to visit. Knowledgeable and friendly experts to guide you through individual sections of the gallery. A carefully selected art work both domestic and international. I particularly appreciate the indigenous artists creation, beautiful and meaningful. The cafe wasn't too bad either, delicious toasted sandwich with a bunch of different food to cater for different dietary requirements. Definitely, worth a visit here.

The curators managed to take such a familiar fairytale and present it in a way that was fresh, imaginative, and deeply immersive. From the delicate costumes and sparkling gowns to the intricate set designs that re-created iconic moments, every corner of the exhibition invited you to pause, look closer, and get swept up in the magic. What I loved most was how it balanced nostalgia with creativity. The exhibition wasn’t just about retelling the fairytale—it explored how Cinderella has been reinterpreted in different cultures and across different mediums, from paintings and fashion to film and pop culture. Walking through, it felt both whimsical and thought-provoking, reminding me how stories we grow up with continue to evolve and inspire. If you’re in Brisbane, this exhibition is an absolute must-see, whether you’re a lover of art, fairytales, or just want to experience a touch of enchantment.

The Gallery of Modern Art offers a wonderful chance to see the world through the eyes of different artists — a perfect place to slow down and reflect on life. What touched me most was an artwork tracing a family tree that reminded us that, thousands of years ago, we were all connected as one big family. It made me wonder — why do we still create so many divisions between races today?

Loved this museum. Its big, not too busy and has wonderful exibitions! Plus its free. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Def. kid friendly with a cafe + play area on the river if you need refreshments.

Mostly referred to as the GOMA, this art museum is a great place to learn about different styles and modes of artistic creation. The facility itself is superb, with multiple floors to view. Also, it has many spaces for quiet reflection or purposeful concentration. FREE! That is right-- this Museum is free so take advantage of its collections. Even just a small amount of time walking through a few of the exhibits can be a wonderful way to take a break.

Lovely place - especially lovely date night/ day idea! Very COVID friendly, very nice staff, lovely art - what more can you ask for :)

Mind you, I'm from Washington, DC, quite possibly the world's best place for free museums, and I'm pretty impressed with what Brisbane has on offer. The two large galleries sandwiching the impressive State Library (which also has some exhibitions) are regular haunts of mine. The walking tour I did of GoMA lasted an hour and only covered one floor (of three, and not even the whole floor really). It's quite substantial. I like the QAG marginally less, as it is the more conventional of the two. GoMA has a wide variety of interactive, three-dimensional, and audiovisual art, while QAG tends more towards static paintings and sculptures (though the secluded garden and its fountains are very nice). Both are kid-friendly, but hardly to excess. Both have fancy eating venues. I will be disappointed when the Asia Pacific Triennial, their current exhibition, is done with. It includes pieces from many of the lesser-known countries, which is both of educational value but also quite aesthetically stimulating. Maybe their other exhibitions aren't as good, but I'm guessing there will still be something worthwhile. My main sources of irritation are their bag policy (you can't take anything bigger than a decent size messenger bag, meaning I have to check my backpack if I have one, and making it impractical to walk through the QAG as a thoroughfare despite its central location), and their hours (10-5). I can see the reasons for these things, but they reduce the galleries' value to me, and are unlikely to change. That being said, I imagine I'll continue to drop in now and then when I'm in the market for some aesthetic pleasure.

GoMA is just one piece of the puzzle that makes up Brisbane's cultural centre precinct along South Bank. It doesn't matter if you're taking in the latest exhibition or just sitting on the grassy knolls taking in views of the city - it stands proudly and says "Brisbane, you're not so bad, you know that?" GoMA proudly housed the Valentino Retrospect in 2011 (an opportunity our bustling metro-siblings Sydney and Melbourne didn't get) the exhibitions keep getting better. Matisse, Surrealism to name but a few. So indulge your artistic sensibilities and immerse yourself in a cultural experience amidst the simplicity and serene atmosphere of GoMA.

The GOMA is a really neat museum. If you love modern art, this is the place to go. Part of the APT9 stretches from the Queensland Art Gallery to here and the connection is great! They have everything from more conventional modern art to some really out there stuff, so I think there is something for everyone! I will say, this museum isn't as children friendly, but can be the nature of modern art. It's free to go through and I think worth it.

Came here for the Marvel exhibit and it was really nicely done. Very large exhibit with lots of stuff to look at and some interactive zones too. Crowds weren't too bad (esp. for a weekend). Not much to look at aside from the special (paid) exhibit, but there were two wings closed in preparation for some new exhibit in the future.

Now it is important to understand that the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, while obviously connected, are actually two quite different venues with different atmospheres and things on offer. The Gallery of Modern Art is probably the more famous and busier of the two, housing a very impressive collection and often hosting touring exhibitions such as the Warhol, Picasso, Surrealism, or the current Matisse drawing exhibition. These are often a draw card to the gallery and are great for locals as it means we get a chance to see many of the world's most famous artists trough out the year. The special exhibitions are a little pricey ($20 for an adult) and often the majority of it is made up of artist sketches, studies and notebooks and the like with a few famous and finished artworks thrown in. Still, I will happily pay the price for the probably once in a lifetime chance to see these works. GOMA always makes it an experience too, with interactive components, like the current drawing room connected to the Matisse Exhibition allowing you to sit and be inspired by the master. GOMA is often overcrowded but worth going to see because of both its collection and the special exhibitions. It also has the Cinematheque on level 1 (near the main entrance) which has some great screenings like the recent Hitchcock retrospective or the upcoming Drawn to Screen (graphic novel and comic book adaptations). With their unique film schedule, these cinemas are intimate and comfortable and definitely make for a more interesting night out than going to the local chain cinema showing only blockbuster films. I highly recommend keeping track of what is showing by stalking their website and facebook page regularly. Now I feel like it is only fair to give The Queensland Art Gallery a separate review since it is quite different to GOMA. It houses an impressive and diverse collection of art, from antiquities to more modern art. You can find a very nice Degas on display here from his dancers series, as well as some interesting Bronze sculptures from Rodin, and the Watermall level is just breathtaking. It is free to enter and see the regular collection and they also have spaces for special exhibitions, such as the fantastic Daphne Mayo Sculpture exhibition showing until mid January. I almost prefer the Queensland Art Gallery over the Gallery of Modern Art simply because it tends to be less busy and I can happily take my time soaking in the captivating artworks on display. Thankfully they are situated at Southbank, so you can quite happily visit both on the same day if you want, although that is quite a lot of art to take in in one day. While the galleries are a tourist attraction they offer a lot to locals and enrich the culture in Brisbane. I definitely recommend visiting these galleries not once but many times as their exhibitions change frequently throughout the year.

I think maybe QAG gets overshadowed by GOMA these days, but I have to say I actually prefer the former to the latter. The thing I love about QAG is the gallery space itself. Glass walls let the outside in, whilst shallow interior pools bring a feeling of calm with its water sitting still and smooth within the museum. Spherical fountains outside resemble dandelions, blowing in the breeze. Free access to the general museum space and fixed collection means that Brisbanites can wander in there whenever they want. I find it quite a relaxing space to spend time in and it's always nice to be able to revisit the beauties hanging in the fixed collection with no time or monetary constraints. There are, of course, always ticketed exhibitions on, but you don't need to pay money to enjoy QAG--just wander on in when you have a spare moment and enjoy the serenity.

Not much to add that other reviewers haven't already said. Great gallery although not huge. But it's free! Some highlights: Loureiro's Spirit of the New Moon in the Australian art section; Ay-o's rainbow art, which is really trippy; and the spinning car wash mops, they're mesmerizing.

Well, I'm studying art history, I should be getting here more often. There's some great artworks on display, and heading in during the week it's incredibly peaceful. There always seems to be something new happening, and you can catch some great movies in the cinemas at GoMA too. Remind me to come here more often?

Well, what can I say, two art galleries almost next to each other. Okay, the QAGOMA is strictly modern art and seems to be where the temporary exhibitions are on display, while the art gallery has the permanent exhibitions. Mind you, when I first went into the Queensland art gallery I was expecting to see it full of traditional art so I was a little surprised to see this huge room full of modern art (the word full is probably a misnomer because there was a lot of empty space - which seems to be the thing with some modern art). However I did end up finding the more traditional art works, though I noticed that they tended to be confined into the smaller rooms since it quickly became apparent that there were more modern art pieces here than otherwise. They do have an international collection, but it is actually really small. Then again, it seems that this gallery is more focused on local art as opposed to art from around the world. Oh, I should also mention that the David Lynch exhibition I saw in the QAGOMA was pretty impressive.

We travelled to Brisbane Australia last summer. The first place on our list was the Queensland Art Gallery/GOMA. I first went into their bookstore and browsed the many incredible books on art .I spent an hour going through all the Modern Aboriginal art section. Vast and comprehensive. I think I blew a few hundred bucks on some awesome books.That was what struck us about this museum that it is very rare to see Modern aboriginal work being prominently displayed in museums in general . There is a very Large room on the second floor dedicated to the modern aboriginal art . By far the most exciting room of paintings iv'e ever seen. So inspired by this work later we ended up buying a fantastic painting from a non profit gallery in sydney called The Artery (Best of Sydney 2011) by Kabbuji Kingware. I also went to see the surrealism show on at the time . I really loved this museum. If you get the chance,5 stars Its worth it! I Can't wait to go back

Just reviewing the Art Gallery, not the modern art section. Located on the river bank just across from the CBD part of the cultural complex. Combined with the GoMA and the museum next door the cultural centre is a great place to fill on afternoon. I found the gallery well spaced out, the artwork was not cluttered together hanging on every inch of wall. Whilst the current exhibition did not take my fancy there were some lovely pieces in the regular collection. Although it was possible too large I did like the water feature. There is the modern art gallery that you can access as well.

Some of the great advantages of visiting the galleries and museums is they are air conditioned, well maintained and they are free! After walking to South Bank from the Queen Street Mall, the museums and galleries were a welcome sight for my eyes and feet. The Gallery of Modern Art is great because they have constantly changing exhibits and a wonderful guided tour led by some very knowledgeable volunteer guides. In addition, there are interactive areas where you and your children are encouraged to participate, such as a long table full of legos and a great spiral slide that leads from the third floor to the first floor. Actually, both of those are not limited to children participation as I partook in both and no one gave me a second look. If you're looking for cool things to see and experience and a place to take a break from the Australian summer, this is the place for you to be.

I popped in on a whim on my last morning in town. And boy am I glad I did. The docents are helpful. Many of the exhibits feature local artists.

You could spend days in the galleries of the Qld Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, perched on the edge of the Brisbane River as part of the broader Qld Cultural Centre complex. The Art Gallery has a vast collection representing Australian and international artworks in a number of mediums including painting, sculpture, textiles and indigenous art. There are cafes, quiet locations to sit and contemplate, kids programs and a gallery shop in addition to (paid) temporary exhibitions such as the recent California Design and Quilt exhibits. 150m away from the Art Gallery, newer kid on the block, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) has been a runaway success from the moment it opened. Soaring galleries allow multi level installations, with fun and thought provoking exhibits that change regularly. GOMA has a well rated fine dining restaurant as well as cafes, a large gift shop as well as a program of talks. Kids GOMA is an important aspect of the gallery with special themes tying in to temporary exhibitions. Anyone who visited the photo booth at Warhol for Kids can tell you just how fun it is for adults too!

What a great gallery, I came for the Portraits of Spain exhibition and myyy was it great. I love Spain, so going to view this was a great opportunity. Again I disliked not being able to take photos, but I did purchase the book. Which has all the art and explanation I went through, so I can forever remember. I hope to one day make to Spain. Overall, this gallery is very neat, spacious, and the staff were also friendly here. I would definitely come here often, if I was living here. Even viewing this place from outside it looks inviting.

Brisbane gets a lot of flack for being "a big country town" and, while that's still true in some ways, I think we Brisbanites need to be reminded sometimes that we're actually doing pretty well. Not only are we beginning to develop quite an individual culinary scene, we're also bounding ahead in terms of our cultural scene. GoMA and QAG somehow manage to get some absolutely incredible exhibits, including the triennial APT, Valentino, Andy Warhol, Matisse, Ron Mueck, and countless others. Not only do these come to Brisbane, some of them are EXCLUSIVELY in Brisbane. The gallery is well laid-out, both leading you through the exhibits while also allowing you some degree of control over where you go (though, of course, some paid exhibits will force you through in one direction!). There is also quite a good cafe/restaurant at GoMA, though I am yet to try them properly (and am not aware of any veg options that they have). Top it all off with a fantastic location that has quick access to public transport (trains, buses, and the CityCat) and is walking distance from the CBD, QPAC, the Queensland Museum, South Bank and (slightly longer to) West End, AND a fantastic view of the river (with a gorgeous park to sit in), GoMA and QAG are always worth a visit.

I know Brisbane get's a bad rap for being less culturally inclined than some cities, (read. MELBOURNE) but to me the fact that we have something like GOMA makes me feel the sunshine state ain't as bad as people say. GOMA is a world standard art gallery. I've been to galleries and museums similar to GOMA where I've had to PAY to get in and for the admission I've seen less than half the things I would have seen at Brisbane's monolith of culture. I feel so spoiled that every 6 months or so I get to go down and see a brand new exhibition in town. I've seen greats from Dali and Picasso to Warhol, Matisse and Valentino. Be sure to ALWAYS check out the children's centre downstairs. I don't care how old you think you are, one hour in there and you'll become a better person for it. This year GOMA is turning 5 so be sure to come down to Southbank and see what they have cooked up for the festivities.

Do you want to see 3 one meter wide balls painted in varying shades? Are you having a hankering for some red clay pots? What about a piece of industrial plastic material nailed to a wall? If so, this is definitely the place for you ... (you poor strange creature!). There are certainly modern art museums that I love - Sydney and Melbourne for example have imaginative, wonder-filled collections that are emotionally and intellectually engaging. But I'm not sure what I am supposed to think/feel about a sheet of plastic or a painted ball. The GOMA collection just didn't work for me. The views of the river from inside are quite nice though - once you find the way into the museum ... (the door faces east, and is next to the state library). *Caveats to this review: it seemed as though about half of the collection was closed off, so I did not see everything they had, and certainly visiting exhibits could improve things.**

I'm so proud that Brisbane is the home of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) which gets so many international exhibitions. Andy Warhol, Surrealism, Valentino, Mattisse. GOMA has been the only place in Australia displaying these exhibitions. The main exhibition is ticketed (usually priced at $20) but there is always a selection of other minor exhibitions which are available to visit for free. There's also a lovely cafe downstairs, facing the river and a nice grassy area to hang out in and read a book. GOMA also has the Cinémathèque - which has 2 cinemas and shows retrospective and thematic film programs and exhibitions.

I went here to check out the art exhibits. I was not disappointed either. I guess there is no point talking about the exhibits as they are changed quite frequently, but be sure to check out the architecture of the buildings. Love the flat roofs! I loved how they really catered for the kids having separate plaques explaining certain pieces of arts in "kid speak". There was also kids stations around the galleries which cultivated young artistic minds.

I was lucky enough to go to GOMA on a quiet midday morning and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through this amazing place. I love that you only have to give a donation to get in. The exhibits do change so I can't tell you exactly what you will see but I can tell you that there were some truly beautiful art in every section of this beautiful building. The kids I visited with enjoyed it as well especially the man in the tv that seemed to follow you around the room. The exhibits range from the wacky to the sublime. This beautiful gallery will not disappoint. I love that Brisbane has such an amazing showpiece right on the river.

So a friend from interstate is coming to town and wants you to show them around Brisbane. What do you do, what do you do? Well considering that Brisbane is the hippest city in Australia in 2014 according to Lonely Planet then there should be a lot of things that you should be doing. But GoMA definitely has to be on your must do list. Whether you just wander around the free exhibitions or check out one of the world class leading exhibits that they've brought to town you won't be disappointed. A great way to either start or end your day is to go down to the GoMA cafe for a nice meal and or drink down by the river.

Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art houses the State's collection of historical, contemporary, indigenous Australian and international art. Not to sound bias or smug, but GOMA's permanent collection is one of the most impressive body of works of Australian and international modern art in the country. Their collection includes Ron Mueck, Ah Xian, Gordon Bennett and Howard Arkley, just to name a few amazing artists. The Asian-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art is their flagship exhibition and 2012-2013 will mark the 20 year anniversary of this crowd pleaser event. As someone who has been attending this event since its 1993 opening, it's been wonderful watching the variety of works represented by a growing number of participating nations. Currently GOMA is hosting an exhibition of works by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. If the name rings a bell, you're probably thinking of her surreal 'Soul under the Moon' purchased by GOMA in 2002. Remember the fluorescent ping pong balls suspended in a cubic room of mirrors and water? Her latest exhibition 'Look Now See Forever' contains more immersive rooms, films, installations, new sculptures and paintings. GOMA is also home to the Cinemathetique, which runs a concurrent film programme beside its travelling exhibitions. Currently, the cinemathetique is finishing up a two month retrospective of Hitchcock films. For months, Hitchcock-esque black birds stared beady eyed from atop lighting fixtures, cash registers and signs. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming 'Comics to Film' programme which will feature my personal favourite The Watchmen. As part of GOMA turning five celebrations, the 'Matisse: Drawing Life' exhibition will open 3rd of December and will run through until early March next year. As a gallery member, I went along to a preview back in October and I'll tell you now, lovers of his gestural life drawing won't want to miss this one. Although you could easily spend a whole day exploring GOMA, the Queensland Art Gallery which is directly next door warrants at least a few hours to absorb their array of works including European masters in their Phillip Bacon galleries and a fantastic collection of Indigenous art. Don't forget the Gallery's Watermall Café, Foyer Bistro and River Café for some sustenance between all that culture watching. Admission: Free except for special exhibitions and some cinemathetique programmes

The 12 years in school I spent taking Art Class didn't really affect my view of the art world. I gained a better appreciation of Dali, Warhol, Matisse... local artists as well. The thing is, the Queensland Art Gallery is a quiet place. It's quiet and exciting because there are all these alcoves and exhibitions (including installations you can walk through, on top of, under, you name it) it is a fantastic place to go to find yourself. I go there because first of all, it's a huge airconditioned building, and in summer, that's where you need to go if you are taking public transport. It's also free. There's also GOMA, the new updated gallery for special exhibitions like Picasso and the like. Now that I have kids, it's a fantastic place to go because it's not only free and airconditioned, there is a huge kids area on the bottom floor. They can giggle, create their own art, play with balloons, balls... get crazy on the floor with funny cushions. Adults fit in too, don't you worry, get your silly hat out and don't be afraid to use it. There is a peacefulness where the Art Gallery, museum and performing arts centre is, there is a groovy little shop on the bottom where you can buy sketchbooks, cards, all fancy like and not too expensive. Also airconditioned. Go there to find your piece of mind (sometimes literally), go there to say hi to the security guard always standing there making sure you don't touch the artwork. Go there for a coffee. You don't need to be an art guru to head there. Sit and look at a huge piece of art for hours, no one cares! Unless it's closing time. Brisbane should be so proud.

So, my Mum told me recently that GOMA is the most visited gallery in the nation. It came of age about the middle of this year, when visitor figures surpassed even Melbourne. It is amazing that the vast majority of times it's free - as it should be - how progressive of us. It's really hard to pick the best thing about GOMA, but every three years the Asia Pacific Triennial (duh) is absolutely mind expanding and absolutely free. Don't miss the 20th anniversary, APT 7 this time in 2012.

I love going to GOMA and i\m always on the look out for signs of what new exhibitions and shows they are putting on. I am always surprised at the level of detail that goes into creating these exhibitions. I am also surprised when they are free to the public. The last exhibition that i went to at GOMA was a contemporary modern exhibition. The first thing you were greeted by was an area filled with white Lego where any one could go and add to the random creations made by people. They also had various rooms with interactive exhibits like a room filled from the floor to the roof with purple balloons. The GOMA is a great Brisbane land mark and i look forward to going back many times and seeing some of the great world famous works on display.

If you had to write a top five list of the places you need to see when your in Brisbane, GOMA is the place that finishes in first place every time. There really is no place like it anywhere else in this city. It's like a shining beacon for all that this city wants to be. That might sound a tad conceded but it's true. I've had the privilege of going there quite a few times in my life. During school and also the last couple of years independently as a free thinking mind. Firstly the architecture itself is incredible. Both my parents are architects so I feel like I can judge accordingly, however even knowing nothing about design you can't help but be taken aback by the giant overhanging awnings at each corner, plus the huge panels of glass spanning the outer walls. Today we saw Matisse's Drawing Life. $16 for a student ticket and we were thoroughly distracted by the amazing pieces for the next few hours, including some time spent in the drawing section where they lay out clipboards and pencils, as well as iPads to sketch and draw for as long as we liked. If you haven't been before I strongly advise you go along and spend some time getting lost in the expansive corridors filled with amazing pieces of work.

I can't believe I have written close to 370 reviews and almost forgot to write about GOMA! The acronym GOMA is obviously paying homage to the legendary MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), the mother of all modern at museums situated in New York city. And whilst GOMA is no MOMA, it holds its own and make us Brisbanities proud. Whilst there are many exhibitions held there annually (the current one being the Matisse exhibition), the permanent collection is always interesting to look at, and better yet- it's free! The gallery is very spacious; the clean white walls and high ceilings work well in showcasing the art-work. I love looking at the water feature with plenty of floating balls. Not only that but you get a brilliant view of the river from the rear of the building, the walls are made of glass. This part of the museum is great to just sit, relax and ponder. And if all that gazing and pondering exhausts you, there is a cafe in the building too. Like others have stated, you do not need to be an "arty" person to come here. I like to believe that even the least creative types can show an appreciation for art and culture and GOMA is an excellent place to let that appreciation shine through.

I will admit to not having spent a lot of time wandering GOMA, but when I have been there, I was impressed. What a fantastic coup for Brisbane to have such a wonderful arts space that draws top shelf international exhibitions. This past weekend I had the pleasure of going to Up Late at the Matisse exhibition. While I wasn't particularly thrilled by the exhibition itself, I was impressed with the thought that had been put into the 'Drawing Room'. It did its job of bringing to life Matisse's daily working environment. Over a few drinks and some great music, our gaggle of gals was able to get a sense of what goes into a daily drawing practice. My fruit bowl will never win any awards, but it was a great night. GOMA itself is an incredible space - modern, open, glass and spaces to languish out by the river, a nice little cafe. To date, I have loved what I've seen, but I'm looking forward to spending some more time exploring the permanent exhibitions.

Brisbane has been waiting a long time for something like this - a true Contemporary Art Gallery that allows the full collection of the art Gallery of Queensland to be shown. I've visited here a couple of times and each time I find something different to love about it. First, I saw an Andy Warhol exhibition and later the Asia-Pacific Triennial, but the building shows off any work to perfection. With concrete brushed floors and double height white walls that can be moved around, it's very flexible, but the best thing is the river views that flow past as you move from Gallery to Gallery. The entire front of the gallery is glass and,of course, designed to the highest specifications for energy efficiency etc. There are 3 floors of exhibition space and a small cinema for films and artist talks. On the first floor to the rear of the building there is the Foyer Bistro which gets the best of the sunset and is a great place to meet for a drink. For a more casual cake-and-coffee rendezvous, the River Cafe on the river side is the yummy-mummy hangout with wide lawns around it for the kids to play on and indoor and outdoor table choices. For private parties and weddings the top floor can be hired and has views across to the CBD and up and down the river.

I am not a major fan of the Queensland Art gallery, the exterior design of the gallery did not capture my attention at all with the exhibits inside to match. The building has an interestingly enclosed and original feel to it, the layout of the gallery coincides with this. There is a water feature in the middle of the interior gallery which timelessly captures ones attention as to its purpose. The gallery of Modern Art is tucked neatly behind it and it on the other hand, has more open and flowing architecture. I enjoyed the exhibits inside and the staff were very friendly and willing to answer my questions. My only critic about this gallery is that the exhibits were limited. Like the space in the gallery as a whole could be utilised more.

Most people love it when they hear the word "Free" so the GoMA is already off to a good start. Most of the exhibits were visually stunning, if not Art, but what do I know? Downstairs tucked away from most of the Gallery is a kids section. When we went (weekday), the kids were able to make masks and our four year old was able to pretty much have the run of a craft table to himself and had a great time. He made his sister and himself a mask, whilst I joined in as well. We weren't rushed and he had a great time! There was also a communal colouring sheets, but he didn't see the point since another kid has already messed it up! Also not being able to take it home, seemed a little silly to a 4 year old. But I take my hat off to Brisbane City and GoMA for having something like this for free and for families.

GoMA is an amazing asset to Brisbane. If ever you need some time to yourself, a wander through GoMA is perfect stress relief. Highly recommend checking out the kids section (usually downstairs) - it's usually got something that is fun for "big kids" and is always worth a play!

I LOVE this place. Came for the Matisse exhibition and was surprised by the fun Freebies there as well - first freebie was a cool pale timber art pencil offered to me by a friendly assistant at the exit of Matisse drawing exhibition. Freebie # 2 was an awesome life-drawing class complete with with fancy art pencils, fine quality art paper on a clip boards and a really lovely model in a nice pose. I was so inspired by the genius Matisse's sketches and with a dozen or so artists hard at work already on the job I thought "why not indulge for my hand at drawing for 15 minutes?" So I did and I enjoyed the feeling of my hand becoming looser by the minute. Freebie # 3 was the wonderful exhibition by naturalist painter Eugene Von Guerard. After a couple of hours gazing at awesome art and even doing a sketch or two myself, me and my party of three retreated in the lovely cafe for a well-deserved coffee. We found three comfy laid-back cane chairs beside a massive floor-to- ceiling picture-window with a gorgeous view overlooking the river. And what a treat - reasonably priced coffee at $4, and baguettes with a selection of flavours for $10. I chose the rare roast beef, tomato and horseradish - it was way too big for one but a perfect size for two and pre-cut into two eight inch pieces. On the way out I met a friendly, creative type. I could tell straight away she would be fun to have a chat with - It was her fabulous purple and red hair with an orange scarf that caught my eye. 'This lady really understands color' I thought to myself. I like to share compliments so I told her I loved her coloured hair and she not only shared how she got her hair to look that good - (purple and red fudge) she also shared her business card with her name 'Sibylle U Werner - Corporate Artist' which had a gorgeous example of her fine art work on the back of her card. Here's a plug for her (no I don't know her) www.wernerart.com Check her work out if you like colour! Now I'm sharing all this this with you to let you know about the vibe of this place - if you want to hang out where you can truly be immersed in art - without all the uppity pompous stiffness the other major capital city art galleries carry on with - GOMA is a great treat any art lover would enjoy. On the downside - they don't let you wear backpacks on your back (you can carry them), or sketch the works, or carry umbrellas! (it was raining the day I went and lots of people were told to put their umbrellas away!) Apart from this - nice way to spend a couple of hours.