Brisbane is home to some of Australia’s most fascinating galleries and museums. Here are my top 5 picks for some great museums in Brisbane for travellers of all ages. Even better, they’re all within walking distance of each other so you can make a day of it.
Gallery Of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art, or GoMA as it is affectionately known, has an international reputation for hosting exhibitions that are the envy of other galleries with the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Warhol drawing record crowds. If you’re travelling with children, don’t miss the fantastic kids art space on the lower-ground floor.
Stanley Place, South Bank
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Free entry (except for some special exhibitions)
Queensland Art Gallery
Culture aficionados can explore the more traditional Queensland Art Gallery which is home to Australian art dating from European occupation to the present day. You’ll need at least a few hours to see the full collection. If time is short, choose one genre or floor to focus on for a quick art fix.
Stanley Place, South Bank
Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat & Sun 9am-5pm
Free entry (except for some special exhibitions)
Queensland Maritime Museum
The Queensland Maritime Museum has real ships such as the warship Diamantina and the lugger Penguin as well as classic ship models, marine memorabilia, photographs, paintings, lighthouse equipment and many other historic items. It is a hands-on museum run by passionate volunteers, many of whom are retired ship masters, marine engineers, and ex-naval personnel.
Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets, South Brisbane
Daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission charge
Qld Museum and Sciencentre
Kids of all ages will love the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre which continue to evolve with the addition of high tech installations. Don’t miss the dinosaurs in the garden outside the Museum if you’re travelling with under-fives.
Corner Grey and Melbourne St, South Bank
Daily 9.30am-5pm
Queensland Museum: Free entry / Sciencecentre: Entry fee
Museum of Brisbane
Visit the Museum of Brisbane for a creative look at the evolution of the city. There is also a separate art space with a rotating selection of high calibre works by resident and international artists. Beautiful handcrafted gifts with a local flavour can be found in the tiny gift shop.
Level 3, City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane City
Daily 10am to 5pm
Free entry
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Brisbane, we have reviewed The Calile, The Westin Brisbane, Hilton Brisbane, The Johnson, NEXT Hotel Brisbane, Sage Hotel James Street, Royal on the Park, Ibis Styles Elizabeth Street, Sofitel Brisbane, Gambaro Hotel, and Pullman Brisbane Airport.
