List of art museums and galleries in Australia facts for kids

Australia is a huge country, and it's full of amazing places where you can see incredible art! These places are called art museums and galleries. They are special buildings where artworks like paintings, sculptures, and photographs are kept safe and shown to the public.

Visiting an art gallery is a fantastic way to learn about different artists, cultures, and times in history. You can see art from Australia and all over the world, from very old pieces to brand new creations. This article lists some of the many art museums and galleries you can find across Australia.

Major Art Museums and Galleries in Australia

Australia has several large and famous art museums that are home to huge collections. These galleries often have art from many different periods and places.

National Galleries

• National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra: This is Australia's national art museum, opened in 1967. It holds a massive collection of over 155,000 artworks, including Australian, Indigenous, Asian, and international art.
• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne: Established in 1861, the NGV is Australia's oldest public art gallery. It has two main buildings and features a wide range of art from around the globe.
• National Portrait Gallery (Australia) in Canberra: Opened in 1998, this gallery focuses on portraits of important Australians. It helps tell the story of the nation through its people.

State Art Galleries

Each Australian state has a main art gallery, usually located in its capital city. These galleries are very important for showing art from their region and beyond.

• Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) in Sydney: This gallery opened in 1880 and is one of Australia's largest. It has a great collection of Australian, European, Asian, and contemporary art.
• Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide: Established in 1881, AGSA is known for its collection of Australian art, including Indigenous art, and its European and Asian works.
• Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) in Perth: Opened in 1901, AGWA showcases Western Australian art, as well as Indigenous art and international pieces.
• Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) in Brisbane: Founded in 1895, QAG is part of the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) complex. It has a strong focus on Australian and Pacific art.
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) in Hobart: This museum and art gallery, established in 1843, is Tasmania's oldest. It combines art with natural history and cultural heritage.
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) in Darwin: Opened in 1970, MAGNT is the main museum in the Northern Territory. It features art, especially Indigenous art, and natural science exhibits.

Contemporary and Modern Art Spaces

Many galleries focus on contemporary art (art made recently) and modern art (art from the late 19th and 20th centuries). These places often show new and exciting ideas.

• Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) in Melbourne: Since 2002, ACCA has been a leading place for contemporary art. It often shows experimental and challenging works.
• Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne: Opened in 1981, Heide is famous for its connection to Australian modernism. It's set in a beautiful property that was once home to artists.
• Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) in Sydney: This museum, established in 1991, is dedicated to collecting and showing contemporary art from Australia and around the world.
• Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart: Opened in 2011, MONA is a unique and privately owned museum. It's known for its bold and sometimes controversial collection of art and antiquities.
• Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) in Perth: Since 1988, PICA has been a hub for contemporary art, performance, and experimental works in Western Australia.
• Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane: Opened in 2006, GOMA is part of the QAGOMA complex. It's one of Australia's largest galleries for modern and contemporary art.
• TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville, Victoria: This museum, opened in 2000, is set in a beautiful winery region. It focuses on Australian art from the second half of the 20th century to today.

Regional and University Galleries

Beyond the major cities, many smaller towns and universities also have fantastic art galleries. These regional galleries are important for their local communities and often showcase local artists or specific types of art.

Galleries in Victoria

• Ararat Gallery TAMA (Textile Art Museum Australia) in Ararat: Opened in 1968, this gallery specializes in textile art.
• Ballarat Fine Art Gallery in Ballarat: Established in 1884, it's one of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries.
• Bendigo Art Gallery in Bendigo: Since 1887, this gallery has grown to have a significant collection, often hosting major international exhibitions.
• Geelong Art Gallery in Geelong: Opened in 1895, it has a strong collection of Australian paintings.
• Horsham Regional Art Gallery in Horsham: Established in 1983, it focuses on Australian photography and art from the Wimmera region.
• Mildura Arts Centre in Mildura: Since 1956, this centre combines a gallery with performing arts.
• Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) in Shepparton: Opened in 1936, SAM has a notable collection of ceramics and Indigenous art.
• Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery in Swan Hill: Established in 1966, it focuses on art from the Mallee region.
• Warrnambool Art Gallery in Warrnamb6ool: Opened in 1886, it's one of Australia's oldest regional galleries.
• Ian Potter Museum of Art at the University of Melbourne: Since 1998, this university gallery showcases a diverse collection.

Galleries in New South Wales

• National Art Glass Gallery in Wagga Wagga: Opened in 1979, this gallery is unique for its focus on Australian studio glass.
• New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale: Established in 1983, NERAM has important collections of Australian art.
• Newcastle Art Gallery in Newcastle: Since 1957, it has built a significant collection of Australian art.
• Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge: Opened in 1970, this gallery is dedicated to the famous Australian artist Norman Lindsay.
• Wollongong Art Gallery in Wollongong: Established in 1978, it has a strong collection of Australian and Aboriginal art.

Galleries in Queensland

• Gold Coast City Art Gallery in Gold Coast: Opened in 1986, it showcases local and national art.
• Rockhampton Museum of Art in Rockhampton: A newer gallery, opened in 2022, focusing on Australian art.
• Griffith University Art Museum in Brisbane: A university gallery that hosts various exhibitions.
• QUT Art Museum (Queensland University of Technology) in Brisbane: Another university gallery with changing exhibitions.
• UQ Art Museum (University of Queensland) in Brisbane: Showcases the university's art collection.
• USC Art Gallery (University of the Sunshine Coast) in Sippy Downs: Features contemporary art.

Galleries in South Australia

• Carrick Hill in Adelaide: Opened in 1983, this historic house also functions as an art gallery.
• Flinders University Museum of Art (FUMA) in Adelaide: Since 1978, this university museum has a diverse collection.
• Samstag Museum (Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art) in Adelaide: Opened in 1977, it's part of the University of South Australia and focuses on contemporary art.
• Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide: Established in 1989, Tandanya is Australia's oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre.

Galleries in the Australian Capital Territory

• Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) in Canberra: Opened in 1998, CMAG tells the story of Canberra and the surrounding region through art and history.
• Drill Hall Gallery (Australian National University) in Canberra: Since 1998, this gallery is part of the Australian National University and hosts various art exhibitions.

Galleries in Tasmania

• Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Launceston: Opened in 1891, QVMAG is a large museum and art gallery in northern Tasmania.

Galleries in Western Australia

• Bunbury Regional Art Gallery in Bunbury: Established in 1987, it's a key regional gallery in Western Australia.

Closed Galleries

Some art galleries have closed over the years. They were important in their time for showing art and supporting artists.

• Brummels Gallery in Melbourne (1956-1980)
• Gallery A in Melbourne (1959-1970)
• Gallery A in Sydney (1964-1983)
• Gallery A in Canberra (1964-1970)
• Museum of Contemporary Art, Brisbane (1987-1994)
• Museum of Modern Art Australia (MoMAA) in Melbourne (1958-1966)
• Peter Bray Gallery in Melbourne (1951-1957)
• Sedon Galleries in Melbourne (1925-1959)
• Tye's Gallery in Melbourne (1940-1955)
• Velasquez Gallery in Melbourne (1940-1955)

See also

• List of museums in Australia