Brisbane families might remember this extraordinary piece of artwork and we are so excited to say that ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence is returning to QAGOMA!
Experience Olafur Eliasson’s Riverbed at GOMA, an immersive installation where a flowing stream winds through a landscape of water-rounded volcanic stones. Inspired by Iceland’s dramatic terrain, this large-scale artwork invites visitors to walk through, pause, and reflect on water, nature and time.
Carefully constructed with rock, sand, pumps and running water, Riverbed creates a striking indoor environment that feels both ancient and newly formed, encouraging you to explore the space at your own pace and engage with the shifting relationship between land and water.
Highlights in the exhibition for kids include Riverbed 2014, a meticulous creation of riverbed inside the Gallery, and The cubic structural evolution project 2004, an interactive art work comprising of more than 300 kilograms of white lego blocks, inviting viewers to use the Lego to create a cityscape.
Event details
What: ‘Olafur Eliasson: Presence’.
When: 6 Dec 2025 – 12 Jul 2026
Where: Gallery of Modern Art, Gallery 1.1 (The Fairfax Gallery), Gallery 1.2, Gallery 1.3 (Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery) & River Room (Sue and Brian King River Room)
This is a ticketed exhibition. Find out the cost of tickets here
For first time visitors, the Gallery of Modern Art is located in the same precinct at Queensland Museum and State Library Queensland. Parking is available underneath both QAGOMA, The Museum and QPAC but does fill quickly on the school holidays. South Brisbane Train Station is just short walk away and if you want to make a huge day of it, South Bank is a relatively short and easy walk away, along the river.
