When it comes to art in Brisbane, there’s always something to set your gaze on. Art exhibitions regularly pop up around the city, as do otherworldly installations that make us think and feel.
We’ve rounded up some of the best art exhibitions and installations in Brisbane and beyond for you to add to your cultural calendar.
1. Titanic. The Human Story
After wowing audiences around the globe with its earlier versions, including a successful tour across the United States and the United Kingdom, “Titanic. The Human Story” is set to debut in Australia this July. Delve into the true story of the Titanic through a collection of personal belongings, archival photographs, and authentic artifacts thoughtfully curated for the exhibition.
Where: Level Q, Uptown, 91 Queen St, Brisbane City
When: from July 2024
Price: TBA
2. Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses
One for fashion enthusiasts, this new exhibition at GOMA takes a deep dive into the world of internationally acclaimed Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen.
Around 100 of van Herpen’s garments will be on display, alongside contemporary artworks, natural history specimens and cultural artefacts from which the designer has drawn inspiration.
Iris van Herpen has created pieces for Beyonce, Björk, Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga, Tilda Swinton, and more.
Where: GOMA, South Brisbane
When: June 29 – October 7, 2024
Price: $12 – $30 per person
3. Jurassic World by Brickman
Featuring more than 6 million LEGO bricks and more than 50 large-scale LEGO creations, visitors to Brickman’s Jurassic World will first be greeted by the iconic Jurassic World gates that stand at an impressive four metres tall.
The truly immersive LEGO experience will bring you up close and personal with everything from a two-tonne LEGO Brachiosaurus to the famous Velociraptors – Blue and Delta, and of course the legendary T-Rex.
Where: Queensland Museum, South Brisbane
When: until July 14, 2024
Price: $19.90 – $29.90
4. Italian Renaissance Alive
Head down to the Gold Coast for HOTA’s next major exhibition. The Italian Renaissance Alive experience is set to be a visual delight, with larger-than-life projections and installations for an immersive journey through one of the most significant artistic periods in history.
We recommend heading to the chef-hatted Palette restaurant while you’re at HOTA for an exclusive tasting menu inspired by the Italian Renaissance art era. Menu highlights include Hervey Bay scallops, Australian Bay lobster souffle, Moreton Bay cuttlefish, Uovo in raviolo, Bistecca Angus, and a Tuscan marble dessert.
Where: HOTA, Gold Coast
When: until August 4, 2024
Price: $39 per person
5. Rearranged: Art of the Flower
A stunning flower exhibition is on display at the Museum of Brisbane, where you can take a look at a lush collection of paintings, textiles, sculptures, ceramics and new media from more than 20 established and emerging local artists.
The collection features floral-themed pieces from renowned artists such as Margaret Olley, Vida Lahey, William Bustard, Tony Johnson, Frank Waldo Potts, William Grant, Tony Johnson and Dorothy Thornhill, alongside local contemporaries Michael Zavros, Keith Burt, John Honeywill, Bronwyn Searle and Judith Sinnamon.
The exhibition encompasses a range of viewpoints from queer, multicultural, and First Nations creatives, emphasizing the connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities to Country, as well as the universal fascination with the flower.
Where: Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane City
When: until August 11, 2024
Price: free
6. The Castle of Tarragindi
Australian artist Natalya Hughes has created this exhibition inspired by French designer Jean Bérain. The Castle of Tarragindi features a striking blue and white colours, and puts Australian flora and fauna into the spotlight.
Where: GOMA, South Brisbane
When: until July 14, 2024
Price: free
7. Swell Sculpture Festival
Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture festival connects people, art and place.
Over ten days, Swell Sculpture Festival transforms the Gold Coast’s Currumbin Beach into one massive outdoor art gallery. And this year, the Swell team is celebrating with more than 70 colourful, eccentric, thought-provoking, head-turning, and head-scratching installations. Some of them will be for sale too.
The one-kilometre art exhibition on the sand is in its 22nd year, which also boasts food stalls, live music, comedy, artist talks, and more.
Where: Currumbin Beach
When: September 6 – 15
Price: Free