Get Your Weekend Culture Fix at the Best Art Galleries in Brisbane

Nothing compares to a Saturday morning coffee, followed by an unhurried wander through a gallery. Tack on a trip to the art store for some creativity of your own and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect weekend.

As Australia’s third largest capital city, Brisbane boasts dozens of galleries. Choice is no issue, it’s narrowing down the options that is the challenge. Whether you’re traipsing through the cultural precinct of South Bank or sticking to the CBD, you’ll find a gallery that ticks all of your boxes. From stunning local art through to once-in-a-lifetime international exhibitions, the best art galleries in Brisbane await…

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery Of Modern Art

The household name when it comes to art and culture in Brisbane, QAGOMA, spans two adjacent buildings and houses over 16,000 pieces of art, historical and contemporary alike. With frequent exhibitions, installations and events, QAGOMA offers Brisbane locals the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the splendour of artists from near and far. Head over here to catch QAGOMA’s latest exhibition line up.

Stanley Place, South Brisbane

Museum Of Brisbane

You could be forgiven for forgetting about this little museum tucked within City Hall, but it’s one not to be missed! The Museum of Brisbane is free to visit and contains a variety of historical photographs, artworks and installations that tell the history of Brisbane and its people. A regular rotation of exhibits means you never quite know what’s in-store!

Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City

Aspire Gallery

Aspire Gallery‘s mission is to be the best art gallery in Brisbane to springboard new and emerging artists into the spotlight. They seek to draw attention to the collectable and unattainable art pieces… just before they boom!

If you’re seeking some new art for your home or you simply want to be in the know with any up-and-coming artists, this little Paddington gallery provides a welcoming space for you to visit and be captivated by the artwork within their walls.

53 Kennedy Terrace, Paddington

Phillip Bacon Galleries

Opening its doors in 1974, the Phillip Bacon Galleries have become a leading space in Brisbane for local artists. Exhibiting national artists from the twentieth century, the building features five spaces to showcase its impressive collection, as well as monthly representations of local artists.

2 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley

FireWorks Gallery

Located in a renovated concrete warehouse, FireWorks gallery has operated as a commercial gallery since 1993. The director of the gallery, Michael Eather, notes that the curatorial theme for the gallery’s exhibition program and its ongoing projects remains the desire to present artworks by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists side by side. 

9/31 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills

Mitchell Fine Art

Located on Arthur Street, in the heart of Brisbane’s art scene, you’ll find the Mitchell Fine Art Gallery. Showcasing contemporary Australian art as well as Indigenous artists, this gallery also boasts an annual exhibition calendar of high-calibre artworks to delight and inspire your creative and cultural palate.

86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley

Institute of Modern Art

A household name amongst the Brisbane creative scene, the Institute of Modern Art (IMA) is renowned for its diverse range of exhibitions and events. Housed within the iconic Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane’s progressive Fortitude Valley, the IMA is a free public space for all to enjoy and an absolute must-do for any art lover.

Ground Floor, Judith Wright Centre, 420 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Artisan

Looking for somewhere you can get a little hands-on? Artisan is a hub for creatives with plenty of events and workshops on the calendar. This not-for-profit venture has been supporting and uplifting local makers and creators since its inception in 1970 and remains integral to Brisbane craftspeople to this day. Artisan also operates as an online and physical marketplace, enabling artists to keep doing what they do best.

45 King Street, Bowen Hills

Jan Murphy Gallery

If you’re looking to add something very special to your collection, the Jan Murphy Gallery is not to be missed. With over 20 years of experience, this carefully curated gallery offers regular exhibitions and sales of top-tier contemporary Australian art to its patrons.

486 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

Red Hill Gallery

Boasting a large catalogue of art from established and emerging artists alike, the Red Hill Gallery hosts monthly exhibitions of realist, impressionist and contemporary paintings. You can expect to browse a mix of mediums, spanning paper, bronze sculpture, ceramics and glass when exploring the little red building that the Gallery has called home from 1986.

61 Musgrave Road, Red Hill

Discovered a newfound appreciation for Brisbane’s art scene with this edit of the best art galleries in Brisbane? Discover more local artists at one of the bustling markets around Brisbane. Or if you’re ready to add some more cultural events to your calendar, check out our event guide to see what’s on in Brisbane.