About Cairns Art Gallery

Cairns Art Gallery

Cairns Art Gallery

The dream of a public art gallery for Cairns began to take shape in 1979 and over the next 15 years it took the tenacious commitment of Cairns Mayors, Councillors, State Ministers, as well as artists and members of the community to raise over $2 million to repurpose the historic Public Curators Building into an award winning Gallery that was officially opened on 15 July 1995, and now comprises 3 floors of elegantly proportioned gallery spaces. 

The building was originally designed by the government architect, R.C. Nowland, and construction commenced in 1934. On completion in 1936, various government departments occupied and modified it until its conversion to an art gallery in 1994. During the renovation, many of the original historical elements were retained, including the original terrazzo floor, polished local timber wall panelling, stained glass windows and iron balustrades. Today the Gallery is an elegant fusion of contemporary and heritage, offering international museum standard lighting, security and climate controls.

The Cairns Art Gallery is an independent not-for-profit company managed by a Board of Directors. The local Council contributes approx. 55-60% of the Gallery’s annual operating costs, with the remaining costs raised through Gallery commercial activities, sponsorships and donations.

The Gallery programs supports its commitment to present art of national and international significance and enable cross cultural dialogues and the interpretation of the unique history and living cultures of Far North Queensland (FNQ), and our place in the world’s tropic zone.

VENUE HIRE

VENUE HIRE

Today the Cairns Art Gallery is one of the few remaining heritage buildings in Cairns. Located in the heart of the busy central business district and adjacent to the beautiful Cairns lagoon and boardwalk, the Gallery enjoys a prestige location with on-street parking and is within walking distance to all forms of public transport.

Ideal for cocktail parties, private dinners, and corporate networking functions, the Gallery’s venues can be transformed to create just the right look for your event.

Choose your venue and make your booking today...

JOIN & SUPPORT- BECOME A GALLERY MEMBER

JOIN & SUPPORT- BECOME A GALLERY MEMBER

GALLERY MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

From $20 per year you can become a Member of Cairns Art Gallery and enjoy a range of special benefits. 

SPECIAL PRIVILEGES

  • Invitations for you and a guest to all exhibition events
  • Free, unlimited access to the Gallery throughout the year
  • Exclusive access to members-only, curator-led tours and events
  • Priority booking on programs and workshops

DISCOUNTS

  • Discounted event tickets for you and a friend
  • 10% discount at Perrotta’s café
  • 10% discount in the Gallery Shop
  • Invitation to members only 20% discounted shopping events
  • Discounts on workshops and classes

BE IN THE KNOW

  • Receive the Gallery magazine mailed to you quarterly
  • Receive email invitations and program event information

CONCESSION

  • Pension card holders
  • Full time students
  • Practicing artists
  • Seniors

News By Cairns Art Gallery

Free kick for gallery!

Free kick for gallery

By Cairns Art Gallery

25 Sep 2017

We are very excited to announce that as of 1 September 2017, the Gallery will be FREE ENTRY! This is a landmark decision in the twenty-year history of the Gallery, and one that has been a long time in the making.

The decision to go free entry will mean that locals and visitors can now freely access and engage with exhibitions presented by the Gallery.

Thanks to our members for your years of support, we look forward to announcing new membership benefits over the coming weeks.


Cairns Art Gallery Reviews

MT

Mark T Walker

Always a highlight to visit when in Cairns. Remarkable focus on local artistic practice whilst exhibiting shows of National significance.

MT

Michelle Traill

The Brett Whiteley Exhibition was superb. So lucky to have this gallery in Cairns.


Cairns Art Gallery


Direct Contact Info

Hours: Daily: 9am - 5pm

Address:
Cnr Abott & Shields street
Cairns
Queensland 4870
Australia


Enquiry Form