Discover the 8 best art galleries on the Gold Coast for a dose of creativity
Whenever I visit a city for the first time, I always look for its art museums and galleries. I scatter these destinations throughout my itinerary to get a sense of the city beyond its landmarks, and I’m sure I’m not the only one!
While the Gold Coast doesn’t have Pablo Picasso or Vincent Van Gogh, the city is just as full of visionaries. You can find them in art galleries that showcase local talent, both old and new.
If that sounds like your cup of tea, here’s your sign to visit the best art galleries in the Gold Coast.
From contemporary works to aboriginal masterpieces, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime through these great visual art spaces.
1. Home of the Arts
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Location: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5588 4000
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Home of the Arts (HOTA) has been part of our top destination lists multiple times.
It’s among the prime attractions of several cruise tours (cruising Gold Coast) and many of the city’s best festivals (festivals Gold Coast). Plus, it’s also home to the city’s top markets (markets Gold Coast).
People are guaranteed to learn more about the city’s diverse communities and culture after visiting HOTA.
Beyond that, the cultural center’s art gallery features several notable contemporary artworks from local artisans, classical international works, and award-winning photographs.
These are in addition to the gallery’s rotating exhibits, which include several renowned collections like the LEGO Brictionary installations and the Lost in Palm Strings event.
On the other hand, kids can enjoy the interactive installations and mini-workshops as a fun way to spend their weekend and holiday trips. The workshops are often themed around promoting children’s creativity and moral compassion for others and Mother Nature.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry. HOTA also offers guided tours to help visitors navigate the winding gallery hallways and learn more about the exhibits’ rich histories.
Visitors only need to add $20 per person for an in-depth educational tour across all gallery installations lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
Pro tips:
- You can get free parking in the Evendale Precinct if you only leave your vehicle for less than under 2 hours.
- You can even enjoy the HOTA Markets for some fresh farmers’ produce and baked delights if you visit early on a Sunday morning.
- After admiring the exhibits, visitors can relax at the HOTA Cafe and The Exhibitionist Bar. There’s also the nearby Palette Restaurant for those looking for finer tastes.
The three establishments operate until 10:00 PM, making them the perfect celebration spot after HOTA’s special events.
2. The HIVE Gallery & Studio
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Location: Unit 23/5 Coghill Dr, Currumbin Waters
Contact: [email protected], 0499 546452
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Gold Coast is the main star of The HIVE Gallery & Studio. Locally made artworks depicting the city’s beaches, hinterlands, and population adorn the gallery.
Most of the exhibits are fresco paintings with a few giant installations. Some are even interactive or incorporated into live performances.
Visitors have the chance to purchase the exhibits, which range from $390 to a staggering $25,200. You can view the other purchasable artworks on their website.
Outside of its art exhibits, The HIVE Gallery offers workshops and kids’ art classes to promote creative minds. It’s particularly popular for its live drawing sessions, where attendees can hone their craft in real-time while drawing the live–and usually nude–model.
HIVE Gallery also offers fresco painting classes centered around local botanical designs for those who don’t like live drawing sessions. Similar lessons are given to children, albeit at an easier level.
Pro tip:
The HIVE Gallery regularly offers open exhibit slots for upcoming local artists to show their works to more people. If you’re interested, you can email them to inquire about the exhibit themes and additional requirements.
3. 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace
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Location: 19 Karen Ave, Mermaid Beach
Contact: [email protected], +61 55545019
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace may seem unassuming from the outside but holds fascinating creations that can intrigue the mind for hours.
Visitors are greeted with a diverse collection of contemporary paintings and statues, each evoking different emotions and messages for people to decipher.
There are also locally made collections and solo pieces that gallery viewers can purchase for their private homes, offices, and hotels.
While the gallery hosts several international artworks and installations, local artists get the spotlight with 19 Karen’s rotating featured artist collection exhibits.
Attendees can admire and invest in some of the country’s upcoming creatives as they display their latest or most recognizable works.
Most of the gallery’s previously sold artworks have increased in value by 400% to 600% in just a couple of years—a huge return on investment for those willing to take the risk.
19 Karen is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, with free 2-hour parking for visitors.
Pro tip:
While children are generally allowed inside the gallery, you should keep toddlers in their strollers and older kids closely supervised to avoid incidents.
The gallery is filled with fragile statues, with many of which are placed along narrow corridors that could easily be knocked down by running children.
4. Dust Temple
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Location: 54 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
Contact: [email protected], +61 401 727 433
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dust Temple is more of a cafe and an art hangout than a plain-and-simple gallery. Visitors can enjoy a good brew of coffee and a plate of salad before jumping into the live drawing sessions.
The gallery even regularly hosts a pre-loved clothing market and live performances for people to enjoy with their drinks. Best of all, the outdoor restaurant and bar are dog-friendly.
While Dust Temple boasts several exhibits on display, the atmosphere and lively community are its main draws.
People can explore their creative side along with other art enthusiasts with the gallery’s various workshops.
There are no restrictions on what type of art people can produce during these classes. This means people can let their imaginations run wild!
They might even get the chance to have their works featured in the bar hall or on Dust Temple’s social media pages.
Pro tip:
The best time to visit Dust Temple is late afternoon to early evening, as some of the indoor restaurant’s menu items aren’t ready yet before lunch. Plus, the live performances usually start in the afternoon.
5. Gallery One
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Location: Shop 16.02/107 Ferry Rd, Southport
Contact: [email protected], (07) 5528 0110
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Gallery One offers a diverse selection of contemporary paintings for customers to display in their offices and private homes, or use as a long-term investment.
From abstract expressionism to gritty realistic portraits, visitors will surely find artwork to suit their styles and preferences.
The exhibits usually change each season, providing a rich and refreshing experience every time you visit.
Of course, art connoisseurs and investors aren’t the only people who can enjoy their time at Gallery One. The art gallery is open to visitors looking to admire the artworks and learn more about the city’s new cultural icons.
Notable names in its collections include contemporary leaders and award winners like Kathrin Longhurst, Garry Shead, Rosetta Santucci, and many more.
Pro tip:
The gallery’s highlight is its Summer Collection Exhibition. It’s also the time when most people visit Gallery One.
To avoid long wait lines, you can inquire about the for-sale paintings to receive an exclusive tour of the gallery. You can schedule your gallery preview on their website.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to pay immediately, as the acquisition process can take a long time and can be canceled.
6. Royal Queensland Art Society
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Location: 25 Broadbeach Blvd, Broadbeach
Contact: [email protected], +61 755 629300
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
While the Royal Queensland Art Society offers purchasable artworks, the art gallery is considered more of a hobby club for locals looking to share their works with a community.
For one, the art gallery specializes in painting and drawing workshops, which are the first steps for beginners to start their creative journey.
It even offers Art in the Park classes to provide practical lessons in translating the natural environment onto the canvases.
Each session usually costs around $195, but you can receive discounts if you bring your drawing and painting equipment.
For the price, customers can rest assured that the instructors from Artable are highly qualified and have years of experience in teaching art lessons. These are in addition to the gallery’s cafe services, which complement the painting classes and gallery tours.
Of course, investors can also have a fulfilling time browsing Royal Queensland’s collections. The gallery changes its exhibits monthly and features seasonal art award ceremony winners.
If you’re looking for a rising artist in the city, Royal Queensland is a good place to start.
Pro tip:
If you plan on taking art classes at Royal Queensland, bring a meal or eat beforehand. The nearest restaurant is a McDonald’s about three blocks away from the art gallery.
7. ArtVo Gold Coast
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Location: Shop 5062 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Contact: [email protected], 07 5639 6109
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Art galleries aren’t just for adults. The ArtVo exhibits in Robina prove that families and friends can also have a fun day exploring local artworks.
ArtVo stands out in the sense that it sells the experience rather than the artwork for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Specifically, the art gallery is filled with immersive life-size murals depicting fantastical and mystical scenarios. Some even glow in the dark for an extra thrill!
Whether it’s entering a portal to space in a dark alleyway or sitting in the rain with a giant frog, visitors can live out their dreams through these interactive paintings.
Children will particularly enjoy posing in front of a giant King Kong mural or fighting against a flame-breathing dragon.
It even has exclusive school trip services to help kids appreciate local artworks and creatives more.
Pro tip:
If you’re particularly averse to heat, avoid visiting ArtVo in the summer or on humid days. The small space and lack of air conditioning can make the area feel stuffy when crowded.
Plus, summer is the art gallery’s peak season, making the place more cramped.
8. The Indigenous Spirit of Australia Gallery
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Location: next to Grounding Cafe, 3142 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 421 011 969
Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Indigenous Spirit of Australia Gallery is a great place to start if you want to learn more about Australia’s original residents and their colorful yet challenging history.
Its diverse collection tells visitors and buyers numerous stories hidden within each brush stroke and weaving.
The artworks aren’t confined to regular canvases either. Several painted displays are made on pebbles, vases, and even boomerangs.
Best of all, the displays are regularly changed depending on the curator’s monthly themes to provide a fresh experience for people on each visit.
Of course, all artworks displayed are 100% authentic and ethically produced Aboriginal works. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some of the gallery’s featured artists working on their latest masterpieces live in the store.
People can buy some of the artworks for as low as $300, but bigger and more intricate crafts can go higher than $1,500.
Pro tip:
While not Aboriginal-made, visitors and window shoppers can bring home handmade trinkets to commemorate their time at The Indigenous Spirit.
Trinkets like pendants, earrings, and necklaces are budget-friendly, thanks to the store’s regular discount specials.