The best museums and galleries in Brisbane in 2026 are the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, the State Library of Queensland — all side by side in South Brisbane's Cultural Centre — plus the Museum of Brisbane in City Hall and the Queensland Maritime Museum.
Brisbane's major museums and galleries are clustered in the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank, across the river from the CBD, so you can see several in a day and finish with a swim at Streets Beach. Most permanent collections are free. For more, see our Brisbane attractions guide.
One of Australia's great contemporary art museums, on the river.
GOMA, part of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), shows contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific in a striking riverside building, and hosts the Asia Pacific Triennial.
Its Children's Art Centre runs free interactive exhibitions.
Good to know: Check what is on in the Children's Art Centre if you have kids.
Stanley Place, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Historical and Indigenous art beside a tranquil water mall.
The Queensland Art Gallery, the older half of QAGOMA, holds Australian, Indigenous and international art in a 1980s building arranged around a calm watermall.
It is a short walk from GOMA along the river.
Good to know: Visit both QAGOMA buildings in one afternoon.
Stanley Place, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Natural history, dinosaurs and the SparkLab science centre.
The Queensland Museum Kurilpa covers Queensland's natural and cultural history, from dinosaurs and marine life to First Nations collections, with SparkLab, an interactive science centre for families.
Entry to the main galleries is free.
Good to know: SparkLab charges a small fee; book sessions in school holidays.
Cnr Grey St & Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Free exhibitions and a riverside reading space.
The State Library of Queensland, in the Cultural Centre, runs free exhibitions on Queensland's history and culture, with reading rooms and a café overlooking the river.
It is a calm stop between the galleries.
Good to know: Its riverside terrace is a pleasant place for a break.
Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Brisbane QLD 4101
The city's own museum, inside heritage City Hall.
The Museum of Brisbane, on Level 3 of the restored City Hall, tells the stories of Brisbane's people and places through changing exhibitions, and runs free tours of the City Hall clock tower.
It is right on King George Square in the CBD.
Good to know: Book a free clock tower tour for views over the city.
Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Historic ships and the river's maritime story, at South Bank.
The Queensland Maritime Museum, at the southern end of South Bank, tells the story of Queensland's maritime history, with historic vessels including the frigate HMAS Diamantina to explore in dry dock.
It is a good stop for families at the end of a South Bank walk.
Good to know: Combine with a walk through South Bank Parklands.
412 Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Yes, entry to the permanent collections of GOMA, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum and the Museum of Brisbane is free; major exhibitions may charge.
The Gallery of Modern Art, part of QAGOMA on the river at South Brisbane, is one of Australia's leading contemporary art museums and hosts the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.
At South Brisbane, beside South Bank Parklands, across the Victoria Bridge from the CBD. It includes QAGOMA, the Queensland Museum, the State Library and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
The Queensland Museum's SparkLab science centre and GOMA's Children's Art Centre are both excellent for families.
Yes. The Museum of Brisbane is on Level 3 of City Hall, and free tours include the clock tower.