This is a general listing for the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) Children’s Art Centre, located at South Bank.
The Gallery of Modern Art is situated in the same precinct as the Queensland Museum, State Library and Art Gallery. It has a children’s section that generally offers free interactive activities and fun for Brisbane Kids.
Many Brisbane parents will be familiar with the wonderful collection of museums and galleries in South Bank, but do you know about the interactive Children’s Art Centre housed within the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)?
The Gallery Of Modern Art – Children’s Art Centre
Children love to experiment, investigate and create. The Children’s Art Centre at GOMA makes art and gallery spaces available to even the littlest of Brisbane Kids.
The exhibits and activities within the Children’s Art Centre change regularly. Featured artists help design the exhibitions, encouraging interactive involvement in art appreciation and making. The activities ranged from process-style art, experimenting with materials, to product-based art, which focuses on the outcome of a project. Everything is optional, casual and self-paced. The activities involve anyone holding a pencil, even if some help is needed.
The gallery uses wall displays, photography, interactive technology, augmented reality, screens and three-dimensional installations to entice children’s creativity. The lower workspaces are created with little bodies in mind but are still comfortable for adults. The materials on hand encourage children to be art makers and sensory explorers.
Art experiences for children
In addition to the free Children’s Art Centre, GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery also runs paid guided art experiences for children throughout the year. These include Art Starters for babies aged 4-12 months. Art Play Date for toddlers aged 1-3 years and Art Explorers for children aged 3-5 years.
Accessibility at GOMA
GOMA is a very accessible venue providing various inclusive experiences. Buildings are well-designed for physical accessibility. Contact the gallery to discuss available options if you have a child with special needs.
- Accessible toilets
- Parents room
- Complimentary wheelchair hire is available; this requires booking before visiting.
- Companion cards are recognised.
- Auslan-interpreted guided tours are available for specific exhibits.
- Low sensory experiences are offered for autistic visitors and people with sensory sensitivity.
- Braille and large print guides are available for visitors at specific exhibitions.
- Audio-described tours offer a narrated description of the visual elements of selected artworks for low or no vision visitors.
- Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs are welcome.
- Visitors with a cochlear implant, hearing aid or hearing loss can join a small group tour led by a volunteer guide with an assistive listening device.
What we thought of our trip to the Children’s Art Centre
We were excited to visit the Children’s Art Centre. Viewing and discussing what we saw was great for developing my child’s imagination and questioning skills. Using different materials helps my little Brisbane Kid gain confidence and welcome experiments as part of their learning. We also loved exploring outside, looking at the statues, admiring the city building and watching ferries on the river. It was a great day out!
Is GOMA Child-Friendly?
GOMA generally has activities for free, and the Gallery of Modern Art is well known for devoting space to a children’s section and playing host to some of the largest children’s Art Exhibitions in Australia.
You will find the children’s gallery downstairs once are in the main entrance of GOMA. There is generally a staff member to greet you or else just ask the friendly people at the clock room which is on the right as you enter through the main doors.
The Gallery of Modern Art also has regular main exhibitions that can be child-friendly. Their exhibitions often have an entry fee and require more supervision than in the children’s gallery. What that looks like will depend on the activity on offer; some are far more interactive than others.
Is the Gallery of Modern Art free?
Entry to GOMA and the Children’s Art Centre is free. However, there are feature exhibitions that require payment for admission.
The cost of participating in the guided art appreciation sessions for children is $10 or $7 for members of QAGOMA.
We list the major paid exhibitions on the Things to Do in Brisbane Calendar.
How do you get to GOMA?
GOMA is located on Stanley Place, South Brisbane. You can get here by car, bus, train, or ferry, and it is only a short walk from Brisbane’s CBD. Parking is available under the cultural precinct for $17 a day.
Are there places to eat around GOMA?
There is the odd cafe and Museum restaurant near GOMA but many people tend to head to nearby South Bank if they are grabbing a bite to eat. The Gallery of Modern Art is also surrounded by lush green lawns and provides the perfect opportunity for an outdoor picnic if you want to save a few dollars.
To discover what is on at the Gallery of Modern Art, head to their website here https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/
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