Q: How much does it cost to visit the Gallery?

A: Entry is free except for special exhibitions.

Q: When is the Gallery open?

A: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
Open Anzac Day 12 noon - 5.00pm

Q: Do I need to make a booking to attend activities and events at the Gallery?

A: Most activities and events are free and do not require bookings. Use the calendar to find out about artist talks, lectures, workshops, etc.

Q: How do I book a group tour?

A: The Queensland Art Gallery provides free guided tours to special interest adult groups of 10 or more. To book a guided tour please telephone the Education Bookings Office on (07) 3840 7255 or submit an inquiry email. More information on group tours is available in the Education section of this website.

Q: Is it possible to buy tickets online for exhibitions with entry fees?

A: Yes. Tickets can be purchased online at www.qtix.com.au (subject to exhibition schedule). Search the calendar for details.

Q: How can I keep up-to-date with events at the Gallery?

A: Subscribe to artmail, the Gallery's free e-bulletin, or look out for our quarterly publication Preview.

Q: Can I take photographs inside the Gallery?

A: Non-flash photography of art works in the Collection is permitted for personal use only. Photography of temporary exhibitions is not permitted.

A large range of postcards featuring works from special exhibitions and the Gallery's Collection is available for purchase from the Gallery Store.

Q: Does the Gallery have a cafe?

A: Yes. At the Queensland Art Gallery, the Watermall Cafe is open daily. The Gallery of Modern Art has two food outlets, the Foyer Bistro and River Cafe.

Q: Does the Gallery have wheelchair access for visitors?

A: Yes. There are ramps, lifts and toilets for visitors with wheelchairs.

Q: Where can I find information about the history and architecture of the Gallery?

A: Information is available in the About Us section of this site.

Q: How do I access a copy of the Gallery's Annual Report?

A: To download a copy of the Gallery's current Annual Report, visit the About Us section of this site. Annual Reports are also available in the Gallery's Research Library, which is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.45pm.

Q: What exhibitions are currently showing at the Gallery?

A: Visit Exhibitions for details of current and future exhibitions.

Q: How do I go about exhibiting my work at the Gallery?

A: Exhibitions are planned several years in advance and the Gallery has a very full exhibition program. However, opportunities for young and emerging artists are available.

Q: Does the Gallery offer activities specifically for children, particularly during school holidays?

A: The Gallery offers a range of workshops and activities for children during most school holidays. Visit the calendar or the Children's Art Centre for more information.

Q: Does the Gallery offer art classes for children?

A: The Gallery offers interactive workshops for children on selected Tuesdays and Sundays. Visit the calendar or the Children's Art Centre for more information.

Q: How do I book a school group visit?

A: Group visits to the Gallery are welcomed throughout the school year. Bookings are essential for groups of 10 or more. To book a group visit, please telephone the Education Bookings Office on (07) 3840 7255 or submit an inquiry email. More information on group bookings is available in the Education section of this website.

Q: I’m planning on bringing a school group to the Gallery. What resources are available for me to plan a visit? 

A: All school tours are self-guided through a dynamic online interactive resource, Design your own Tour. This resource allows teachers to easily create a customised tour to meet specific curriculum objectives. Log onto the website, select the works you would like to view, and print your tour brochure with Gallery maps. Accompanying Teachers’ notes include art work information. Education Resources are available online.

Q. What is a conservator?

A. Conservators have professional training in the science, ethics and practice of art conservation. Conservators apply technical skills in their area of speciality, for example, paintings, works on paper, sculpture, etc.

They have strongly developed professional and ethical responsibilities towards the conservation of the cultural material in their care. In Australia, conservators are guided by the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials Inc. (AICCM) Code of Ethics and Guidance for Conservation Practice which guides conservation practices and outlines obligations to clients, colleagues and employees.

Q. How do I become a conservator?

A. Currently the only professional conservation training available in Australia is offered by the University of Melbourne which has a two-year masters degree in Cultural Heritage Conservation. Visit AICCM for updates on available training courses.

Q. Where can I find conservation advice?

A. Conservation treatment should always be carried out by, or with the advice of, a qualified conservator. The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material is the professional body for conservation practice in Australia. Visit AICCM for a list of conservators in private practice, guidelines for commissioning private conservators, and a copy of the AICCM Code of Ethics and Guidance for Conservation Practice. You can also contact the Gallery's Conservation department by contacting the Gallery on phone (07) 3840 7033. Alternatively, submit an inquiry.

Q. Can the Gallery provide a valuation for an art work that I own?

A. The Gallery is a statutory authority of the Queensland Government and, as such, is prohibited from providing valuations of art works. For a list of approved valuers, visit the Australian Government's Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Please be aware that the service provided is of a commercial nature and valuers charge a fee. Auction houses may also be able to provide a commercial valuation service.

Q. Can the Gallery provide an appraisal of an art work that I own?

A. The Gallery can provide appraisals (an opinion on the style and quality) of art works held in private collections. Contact the Gallery for an appointment, by submitting an inquiry.

Q. Can the Gallery restore an art work that I own?

A. The Gallery is unable to offer a restoration service to the general public. Visit the website of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) which contains a searchable database of member conservators working in commercial practice.

Q: How can I find out about job opportunities at the Gallery?

A: Recruitment is handled by the Corporate Administration Agency. Positions are advertised on the Queensland Government website. Job opportunities may also be advertised in the Public Service Vacancies Gazette and in the press.

Q: Does the Gallery provide work experience for high school students?

A: Due to the specialised nature of art museum work, the Gallery is unable to provide work experience for high school students. However, the Gallery has a volunteer program suitable for tertiary students.

Q: How can I find out about volunteering at the Gallery?

A: The Gallery runs a number of volunteer programs including Volunteer Guides, Survey Volunteers, Library and Curatorial Volunteers. More information can be found in the Career and volunteer opportunities section of the website.

Q: How can I support the Gallery?

A: The Queensland Art Gallery Foundation is the Gallery's primary fundraising body. The Foundation assists the development of the Collection and exhibition programs. All donations are tax deductible. Visit the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation for more information.

Q. Who can use the Queensland Art Gallery Research Library?

A. Our Research Library is mainly for the Gallery's staff. Researchers and postgraduate students may use the Library by appointment. Primary, secondary and undergraduate students should use their school, TAFE, university or public library before contacting the Gallery Library. Visiting members of the public can use the dictionaries, encyclopedias, price guides and other reference books in the Public Reading Room of the Library. More information about Library access and services is available.

Q. How can I search the Library's catalogue?

A. The Library's catalogue is available online. Records of Library resources are also available through Libraries Australia, the National Bibliographic Database maintained by the National Library of Australia.

Q. Can I borrow books or other items from the Research Library?

A. No. As the Library is a staff reference library, it does not lend to external users.

Q. I am doing an art assignment for school. Where can I find information about artists and art movements?

A. The Gallery Research Library can help you find information about works and artists in the Gallery's Collection. If teachers are setting assignments on the Collection it is preferable for the teacher to contact the Library for information, rather than direct individual students to the Library, due to space restrictions. For general art inquiries, students should visit their school, public library, or the State Library of Queensland.

Q. How can I find information about art works in the Gallery's Collection for my assignment?

A. Please refer to the online Collection highlights or submit an inquiry to the Gallery Research Library.

Q. Is the Gallery Collection available or searchable online?

A. The Gallery has recently embarked on a project to make its Collection searchable online. Currently, information on the Gallery's collecting priorities and history are available online, along with Collection highlights and an A-Z list of artists represented in the Collection.

Q. How can I find out more about a work in the Gallery's Collection?

A. If you have seen the work on display, please supply us with as much information as possible (refer to the display label next to the work). If you do not know the name of the artist, tell us if it was a painting, etching, drawing, photograph, etc. Was it included in a special exhibition? What was the subject of the art work? These details will help us assist you when you submit an inquiry.

Q. How can I find out if you have a work by a particular artist in the Collection?

A. To view a list of all the artists in the Collection, visit the A-Z listing. If you require further information on a particular artist, please submit an inquiry.

Q. How can I obtain some information on a particular artist in the Gallery's Collection?

A. Please refer to the online Collection highlights or visit the Gallery Research Library. Alternatively, please submit an inquiry.

Q. Can you give me contact details for an artist whose work I saw on display in the Gallery?

A. The Gallery is unable to give out an artist's private contact details. In special circumstances, the Gallery may be able to forward your contact details to the artist or their representative for their consideration.

Q. I would like to donate an art work to the Gallery's Collection. How can I do this?

A. The Gallery adheres to a strict acquisitions policy. If you have an art work you would like considered for inclusion in the Collection, send images of the work to the Gallery's Curatorial staff for their consideration. If you are an artist and the work is your own, please include a copy of your CV. Contact us.

Q. Why isn't my favourite painting on display?

A. There are over 11 000 works in the Collection and the Gallery only has the capacity to display approximately one tenth of these at any one time. The Gallery changes the works on display on a regular basis to ensure visitors have the opportunity to view a wide variety of works.

Q. I am a researcher and would like to see a work not currently on display. How do I go about this?

A. Under certain circumstances, scholars and researchers may be permitted to view works not currently on display. Please submit an inquiry.

Q. In which building is a particular Collection art work located?

A. As a general guide, the historical (pre-1970) collections are displayed at the Queensland Art Gallery, while the contemporary collections (1970 onwards) are displayed at the Gallery of Modern Art. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule and Collection works may be on display in either building. To find out if and where a particular Collection work is on display, please telephone the Gallery or inquire at the information desk.

Q. Where is the Indigenous Australian art collection displayed?

A. The Indigenous Australian art collection is displayed in the Indigenous Australian Art galleries at the Gallery of Modern Art. However, works may also be included as part of the historical collection displays at QAG. To find out if and where a particular Indigenous Australian work is on display, please telephone the Gallery or inquire at the information desk.

Q: How secure are my credit card details?

A: Your credit card details are protected by a powerful encryption technology called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This ensures your credit card details are seen only by you and the bank performing the transactions (in this case, Westpac Bank).

Q: What if I don't want to use my credit card online?

A: If you don't wish to use your credit card online, simply enter products into your shopping basket as normal, then once you have entered your name and address simply choose the 'print and fax' option. Here, you will be able to print your order and fax it to the Gallery Store with your credit card details. The Gallery Store fax number is +61 (0) 7 3840 7149.

Q: What if I need to return something I purchase?

A: We are happy to accept returns if they are returned within one month of you receiving them. We also ask that the products are returned to us in the same condition you received them, with original packaging, and that you enclose the original receipt.

Q: How long will my order take to arrive?

A: In most cases, depending on your location, your order will arrive between a few days to a week. As some of our products are rare or hard-to-find books, they may take a little longer to supply. If your order is likely to take longer than two weeks to fill, we will email you with an estimated delivery time upon receiving your order.

Q: What if my order doesn't arrive?

A: After placing your order with the Gallery Store, you will receive a confirmation email which contains your order number. If your order hasn't arrived within the recommended timeframe, simply submit an inquiry or telephone us on +61 (0) 7 3840 7147 with your order number and we will track your order for you.

Q: What if I can't find the book I am looking for online?

A: Visit our book search page and fill in the search form. The Gallery Store book buyer will attempt to locate the book for you. You will receive an email back with the book's availability, purchase price, and ordering details.

Q: How can I arrange an external sales visit?

A: To arrange for a Gallery Store staff member to visit your school or company with a selection of art books for purchase, please contact the Gallery Store external sales representative on (07) 3840 7132 or 0410 637 132, or by submitting an inquiry.

Q: What is a Cinémathèque?

A: The concept of the cinémathèque originated with the opening of the Cinémathèque Française in Paris in 1930. The Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art will exhibit the art of the moving image ― particularly film, video and new media ― which challenge the limits of cinema and explore the unique aesthetic possibilities that the moving image and multimedia offer. The term cinémathèque is used in preference to the more recent 'mediatheque' to retain the important link to film in the development of twentieth-century screen culture. The Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art will have two cinema galleries (with seating capacities of 224 and 112). A multimedia gallery will complement the cinemas, cinema lounge and public media lounge on level 3 of the new Gallery. The moving image will continue to be integrated into general exhibition displays at both the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Q: Can the Gallery help me find an image for my invitations?

A: Should you wish to use an image from the Gallery's Collection or exhibitions on invitations for your function, reproduction permission, copyright clearance, and final quality approval from the Gallery must be obtained. Depending on copyright licensing, a fee may be charged.Contact the Projects and Events Coordinator on (07) 3840 7414 for more information.

Q: Can I organise a guided tour for my guests?

A: The Projects and Events Coordinator can organise for a Gallery staff member to give guests an overview of a particular exhibition or display. An exclusive tour may also be requested (depending on the number of guests involved).

Q: Can I purchase gifts from the Gallery Store?

A: The Gallery Store offers a wide range of products, including a selection of exhibition catalogues and gifts which make a nice addition to any function. These can be purchased directly from the Gallery Store. Contact the Gallery Store on (07) 3840 7290 for advice on the most suitable gift for your clients.

Q: Where and when can I deliver equipment to the Gallery for my function?

A: Clients are able to deliver equipment from 7.30am on the day of the function to the appropriate loading dock. The QAG loading dock entrance is on Grey Street, the GoMA loading dock entrance is at Stanley Place. All equipment must be collected from the Gallery via the loading dock before 9.00am on the morning after the function.

The Gallery is a public institution and we aim to ensure minimal disruption to visitors. Should you wish to bring large-scale equipment into the Gallery, special permission is required and delivery must occur after 5.00pm. The client is also responsible for organising machinery to facilitate the delivery of such equipment.

Q: Can art works be moved for my function?

A: The Gallery is not able to move the art works on display for any function.

Q: How can I find out what exhibition is on display when I have my function?

A: Visit Exhibitions for details of current and future exhibitions.

Q: Does the Gallery have onsite technicians?

A: The Gallery encourages clients to source an onsite technician to oversee presentations and equipment for an event.

Q: Can I light candles at my function?

A: Use of open flames is not permitted given the nature of the building and the presence of art works. Battery operated candles are acceptable.

Q: What lighting effects can be achieved in the Gallery?

A: The Gallery's lighting operates on a series of circuts and switches and the extent to which clients can adjust these fixed settings is limited. There is no dimmer facility on the settings.

Q: Is parking available?

A: Parking arrangements should be made directly between the client and the operators of the Gallery/Museum Carpark. The Gallery has no control over the carpark and takes no responsibility for its hours of operation or damage to cars. Contact the Carpark Manager on (07) 3840 7103 for more information.

Q: What is the cost of holding a function at the Gallery?

A: Quotes vary depending on the scale and nature of each function and the resources required by the Gallery to prepare for the event. To obtain an estimate for the cost of venue hire please visit the online quote calculator. For an individual quote, please complete and submit the function Inquiry Form on the website. 

Quotes for venue hire include cleaning, Gallery security personnel, and the use of specific equipment as negotiated with the Gallery's Projects and Events Coordinator. All other costs are additional including, but not limited to, catering, staging, entertainment, floral arrangements and parking.

Functions held on public holidays attract an additional surcharge.

Quotes for private functions are seperate to the above and can be obtained by contacting our Private Hire Coordinator on (07) 3842 9565 or sale@caxtonstcatering.com.au.

Q: As a Corporate member of the Foundation, can I receive free venue hire?

A: Corporate members of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation are entitled to use the Gallery as a venue for evening corporate functions, free of Gallery hire charges. Your company will be responsible for costs associated with catering, invitations, decorations, entertainment, etc. The number of times you can use the Gallery for free, as a venue for corporate functions, increases with higher Foundation membership levels.

Q: Can I hire the Gallery for my wedding or private function?

A: Limited spaces within the Gallery of Modern Art are available for private hire to individuals. As private hire is available on a restricted basis, preference is given to members of the Gallery Foundation.

To enquire about private hire please contact our Private Hire Coordinator by email on sale@caxtonstcatering.com.au or on (07) 3842 9565 to discuss rates and availability.

Q: Public liability insurance ― is my function covered?

A: The Gallery has public liability insurance that covers any incident that may lead to a damages claim and for which the Gallery and its staff are deemed responsible. This insurance does not extend to venue hirers for incidents that may be attributed to actions/arrangements taken/made by the hirer.

Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that the hirer arranges their own insurance cover to minimise their exposure to risk.