The following information may assist you prepare for your visit to the Gallery. Research shows that children learn best in the company of a trusted adult, so please make sure your child is accompanied at all times.
The Gallery provides all materials for children's and family programs, including art-making equipment for hands-on activities. Although smocks are provided, we recommend that children do not wear their best clothes when taking part in art-making activities.
Children's Art Centre programs and exhibitions are held in both the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (in the Children's Art Centre spaces and in other gallery spaces). For specific programs, please check the location prior to your visit.
Parents' rooms are located at the Stanley Place entrance and the Watermall level at QAG and on level 1 near the main entrance at GoMA.
The Gallery is wheelchair and pram accessible. Parents are encouraged to wheel their prams in the Gallery, however, storage facilities are available. Minimal baggage should be taken into gallery spaces. Essential items are permitted, however, all umbrellas, backpacks and large bags should be checked into the cloakroom.
The Gallery's cafes offer a variety of hot and cold meal options, all with an emphasis on freshness, fast service and healthy options for family or group dining.
When visiting the Gallery with your children, expect them to be intrigued and excited by what they see. When viewing art together, invite responses and questions from them: Ask them to describe what they see, what was the artist thinking about? Why do they think the artist used particular materials or colours?
Talk about art works in ways that relate to children's interests and experiences.
1. Walk around and look. What can you see?
2. What was the first thing you noticed about the art work? Discuss the ways artists have attracted their viewers' attention ― consider colour, texture, sound, light, video, etc.
1. How does the art work make you feel? Is there a special part that makes you feel that way?
2. If you could choose one word to describe the art work, what would it be?
3. What do you like about the art work? Why?
1. What do you think the artist is like? What do you think is important to the artist?
2. What do you think it is like to live in the country this artist is from? What is it about the art work that makes you think this?
Being well prepared and ready to participate in children's experiences will ensure an enjoyable visit and valuable learning opportunity.
