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arts & culture

GOMA building exterior

Editor's pick

GOMA

During its relatively short existence GOMA has quickly established itself as the proverbial jewel in Brisbane’s visual arts crown.

During its relatively short existence GOMA has quickly established itself as the proverbial jewel in Brisbane’s visual arts crown.

Brisbane’s arts and cultural scene is thriving, with world class theatre, art galleries, dance and music, film and theatre as well as a host of museums and excellent libraries. Highlights are GOMA, Australia’s leading modern art gallery, the Queensland Ballet directed by Li Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer), Queensland Theatre and Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Brisbane’s unique indie arts centre the Brisbane Powerhouse. Brisbane also hosts first class festivals such as the annual 3 week Brisbane Festival and Brisbane International Film Festival and Brisbane Writers Festival.

Exhibits inside Queensland Police Museum, Brisbane

Queensland Police Museum

The Queensland Police Museum is a fascinating secret trove that contains the history of crime, law and order

Mary MacKillop Shrine inside St Stephen's Chapel in Brisbane.

St Stephen's Chapel

St Stephen’s Chapel, the first church built on this site, sits like the child of the much larger cathedral beside it

Egyptian mask inside Antiquities Museum in Brisbane.

Antiquities Museum

This fascinating little trove of ancient artefacts belonging to UQ and dating back 4000 years is one of the best kept secrets around.

People outside ruins at Fort lytton

On a grassy outpost in the industrial reaches of Lytton lies Fort Lytton, the heritage listed remains of Australia's only surviving moated 19th century fortress.

General Macarthur's office in the Macarthur Museum in Brisbane.

Macarthur Museum

Few who pass the glass doors of MacArthur Chambers Hotel would know that it was from this building that General Douglas MacArthur directed the Allies in holding back the Japanese invasion.

Three people strolling along a corridor looking at pictures on the walls inside Museum Of Brisbane

Museum Of Brisbane

This impressive Brisbane City Council-owned museum offers an insight into the local social history and visual arts scenes

Museum building adn entrance.

Pine Rivers Heritage Museum

There’s nothing dusty or musty about this slick little timber building on the edge of the Old Petrie Town car park.

Ship in dry dock in the Queensland Maritime Museum

Queensland Maritime Museum

You don’t have to be a ship enthusiast to enjoy this museum, which is well laid-out and staffed by ex-naval and maritime workers

Exhibit inside Redcliffe Museum

Redcliffe Museum

Visitors to this museum will be happily surprised to find a modern well laid out display of the Redcliffe peninsula's 200+ years of European history

Old machines, motorbike and horse carriage inside Redlands Museum in Cleveland.

Redlands Coast Museum

Behind the plain brick façade of Redlands Coast Museum lies a wonderland of memorabilia from the past

Samford District Historical Museum, Queensland, History, Rail Trail

Samford District Historical Museum

Resembling a mini historical village, the Samford Museum holds one of the most extraordinary collections of heirlooms, memorabilia and building styles of late 19th and early 20th century Queensland life to be found

Vintage train inside The Workshops Rail Museum

The Workshops Rail Museum

Whether you have the slightest interest in things that run on tracks or not, this national treasure of a museum is must-visit.

Aisles of books inside the Brisbane Square Library

Brisbane Square Library

Facing off with the State Library of Queensland across the river, the council’s premier library and keeper of some 110000 books occupies several funky coloured stories of the mod BCC headquarters.

Corinda Library entrance

Local Libraries

A selection of local libraries worth browsing across Brisbane.

Exterior of State Library of Qld building in Sth Brisbane

State Library Of Queensland

This landmark building on the riverfront between the art galleries is home to the main archival collections of Queensland’s history

People watching Hitchcock film at the Australian Cinematheque GOMA

Australian Cinematheque GOMA

The Australian Cinematheque occupies a pair of intimate custom-designed theatrettes jutting out from the road side of GOMA

Woodford Folk Festival

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Lit up Brisbane bridges

Twilight Jazz by the River

Twilight Jazz by the River returns to Queensland Maritime Museum

Tom Cashman

Tom Cashman is back in Brisbane with a new hour of stand-up that promises to creep ever so close to proficiency.

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie QPAC

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie

The world's most famous detective is returning to QPAC

Crowd at Oddities and Curiosities Expo

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

A wonderfully weird weekend of curiosities and creepy collectibles

Aerial view of Milton Xmas Markets

Christmas on Cribb

Milton Markets are hosting a mega Xmas twilight market

Kings of Country Rock

Kings of Country Rock

Kings of Country Rock is a stage spectacular that captures the sound and spirit of America’s country-rock legends.

symphony orchestra performance on stage

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale, Don Juan & Manfred.

choir performance with lead vocalist

Rock Choir

Rock on with Rock Choir at QPAC!

People standing in line

Handel’s Messiah - Brisbane Chamber Choir

Messiah returns to QPAC’s majestic Concert Hall on 30 November!

EDITOR'S PICK

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie

The world's most famous detective is returning to the QPAC stage with Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie bringing murder, mystery and plenty of twists and turns

Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie

MUST DO

Don Juan & Manfred

Join the Queensland Symphony Orchestra for their epic 2026 Season Finale at the Concert Hall QPAC, Don Juan & Manfred

Don Juan & Manfred

Lighting of Christmas Tree Brisbane

COMING UP

What's On in December In & Around Brisbane

From concerts, world class ballet, stunning art exhibitions, Christmas in the city and festive dining - here's what's on in December around Brisbane

What's On in December in Brisbane

MUST DO FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Create magical family memories on the Gold Coast with a stay packed full of adventure, including daily breakfast, six fun-filled kids' activities and easy access to the region's biggest theme parks!

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

The Summit Restaurant

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

The Gatsby Bar

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

A brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane