Cairns Art Gallery — Attraction in Cairns City

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stepping into the Cairns Art Gallery was like walking through time — a peaceful and inspiring highlight from my recent cruise visit. I was instantly struck by the building itself, a beautifully restored 1936 heritage landmark that once served as the Public Curator’s Office and Government Savings Bank. It carries a quiet grandeur that reminds you how much history and heart live within Cairns.

Inside, the experience is deeply calming and beautifully curated. Every exhibition feels intentional — from contemporary collections to breathtaking Indigenous works that speak to the spirit of North Queensland. The gallery invites you to slow down, reflect, and really take in the artistry and stories that have shaped this region.

What I loved most was the stillness — the sense that art, history, and soul all meet under one roof. Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or simply exploring Cairns for the first time, this gallery is a must-visit. It’s a timeless little sanctuary that captures the creative heartbeat of Far...

A good regional gallery with much of the typical art you would expect, nice environment once you're past the entrance and away from the gift shop. The young staff member that was greeting visitors and selling art related products she didn't seem to understand or care for, was not friendly very quietly asking where people were visiting from without actually greeting them. She seemed to be tired of telling visitors they need to exit via the gift shop, this is not clear with signage in place and there were a number of visitors that tried to exit via the entry on front of us. She may be better suited to work on a library where you're not actually trying to sell people or ensure they are...

Went with my 9 year old daughter as she loves coming here to see the new and free art exhibitions in cool air-conditioned comfort as do I. As locals, this exhibition was so beautiful with Indigenous art work, with our favourites in "The Loft". The video of the female elder recollection was beautiful and transported me to her childhood in the Mungalli country up here. The artwork added to that and my daughter was visibly entranced. We love the Art Galley and make it a ritual. Great for kids as well as adults as well as tourists and locals. The photos attached are the ones my daughter took. She asked to take them as she loved the work. Every exhibition is beautiful and wonderfully...