Explore the art galleries in the CBD

Brisbane's culture is right in front of you with a number of great galleries located in Brisbane's CBD. Attend a boutique exhibition of local artists, revel in internationally renowned art or spend hours in one of the largest collections in Queensland. You may need a few coffees along the way but we challenge you to see them all in one day.   

Metro Arts

If you have an interest in contemporary art, then Metro Arts is the spot. Step inside this five-storey heritage building to see artists taking risks along their artistic journey. After you’ve searched every nook and cranny for the latest in contemporary art, you can enjoy a coffee at the onsite café.

QUT Art Gallery

You can find more than 2000 pieces of art throughout this museum, making it one of the largest collections in Queensland. A dynamic program of exhibitions from the QUT Art Collection, professional exhibitions by the museum's curators, touring exhibitions and new works by QUT staff and students are often on show. 

SGAR – Spiro Grace Art Rooms

Just a stone’s throw away from the CBD, you can find this renovated Queenslander turned art gallery in the neighbouring area of Spring Hill. Wanting to promote the local art scene, SGAR was established in 2010 to support the career development of Queensland artists and has been successful with a number of events and exhibitions. 

William Robinson Gallery

Situated in Old Government House, this gallery holds the largest collection of William Robinson artworks in the world. Critically acclaimed for his portrayals of south-east Queensland rainforests and northern New South Wales seascapes, various pieces are found in renowned museums including Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Vatican Museums and British Museum in London. 

Cafes with local artwork

Check out the local talent at Brew, Duce & Co and Bean. These city cafes promote small, local artists by showcasing their artwork throughout the store for purchase. Whether you’re looking to support emerging artists or wanting a city souvenir, you’ll be spoilt for choice trying to choose one to take home.

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Wandering through Brisbane’s streets on a bright sunny day is a treat in itself, but if you look a little closer you will find a world of street art hidden within Brisbane City. 

Various artists | William Jolly Bridge 

William Jolly Bridge throughout the year displays multiple artists work for festivals and major events. The bridge becomes a public canvas for the city, creating a spectacular landscape and crossing between the north and south banks of the river. 

Mace Robertson| 45a Burnett Lane

Take a stroll along Burnett Lane and look for the tiny red door - 45a Burnett Lane. Referred to by locals as the fairy door, this piece helps us find a little magic and whimsy in our everyday life. 

Cate Storey | Corner of Elizabeth St & Creek St

Cate Storey along with David Fisher painted one of Brisbane’s traffic signal boxes as part of a Brisbane City Council initiative. Created in 2014 and standing the test of time, this piece depicts the beloved Ibis or bin chicken taking over Brisbane. 

Baile Oakes | Queen Street Mall

Gestation is part of a series of sculptures created by American artist Baile Oakes. This piece was commissioned for World Expo '88 and the artwork itself was created in Seattle. 

Blu Art Xinja | Burnett Lane

All throughout Brisbane City, the Blu Art Ninja has left his signature artwork for you to find and enjoy. If you wander up Burnett Lane you might spot some flying birds or a blue duck waddling along in a top hat. 

Robert Juniper | City Botanic Gardens, Bunya Walk

This piece known as Plant Form is an interpretation of the artist's abstract landscapes depicted in his painting. Using oversized steel planes, this piece references Australian fauna and was also commissioned as part of World Expo '88.

King George Square Light Boxes | 87 Roma St

Part of the Brisbane City Council’s Outdoor Gallery initiative this grouping of gallery lightboxes helps bring art to the streets of Brisbane. These outdoor galleries often display pieces that correspond to local events taking place and are on constant rotation throughout the year. 

Claire Foxton | 280 Elizabeth Street

Foxton wants her work to create a dialogue with the local community building an intrinsic link between artist, artwork and voyeur. Using a photorealistic style accented by brightly colourful paint strokes the artist’s style concentrates on shape and texture to bring her subject to life.