Once considered a country town, the city of Brisbane has certainly grown, not only in population, but also in the estimation of locals and travellers from across the globe. This thriving modern city is now a hub for international business and a breeding ground for technological mastery and innovation. In short, there’s a lot more than meets the eye to this gateway to the Gold Coast. And if you think that this growing urban centre is nothing more than a hick town of old, you’ll be delighted to discover that the scene for arts and culture has grown right along with the size and scope of the city. In fact, there is a rich cultural heritage on display thanks to the diverse demographic of inhabitants. And the arts, including music, theatre, and fine arts, are alive and thriving for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors from afar.
If you’re on the market for a taste of the classical, you can’t go wrong with an evening at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which is basically a complex dedicated to preserving and presenting the performing arts. The Centre consists of several venues, including the Concert Hall, which commonly hosts the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, not to mention icons of popular music. There are also the Cremorne, Lyric, and Playhouse Theatres to visit at this locale, and those in search of an evening of the arts will no doubt enjoy performances by Opera Queensland, the Queensland Ballet, and the Queensland Theatre Company, along with special engagements by touring shows and performance groups.
International travellers may be more familiar with the iconic Sydney Opera House, but the truth is that you can find equally entertaining performances at the beautiful and accommodating Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Queensland Conservatorium is another good bet for performing arts, and the city’s numerous choral groups can be found in a variety of locations, often presenting their vocal stylings under the amazing acoustical conditions present in the city’s churches.
As for the marriage of culture and fine arts, Brisbane plays home to a number of museums, some of international renown. If you’d like to discover the artistic heritage of the country you can hardly go wrong with a trip to the Queensland Art Gallery, which features indigenous offerings alongside historically significant works by artists like Pablo Picasso. From there it’s a hop, skip, and jump to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), also located in the culturally rich South Bank region. Although new to this well-known arts and entertainment area, having opened in 2006, GOMA has gained recognition for its diverse slate of modern art, featuring up-and-coming artists as well as the work of modernist icons like Andy Warhol.
Of course, you might be looking for a bit of excitement after days spent taking in the cultural landscape offered by the city of Brisbane. And here the east coast metropolis delivers, as well, with a plethora of options for international cuisine and nightlife of every stripe, including bars and nightclubs galore. There’s no better way to get acquainted with a people and culture than to get in the thick of it and meet some locals. So take advantage of every cultural outlet when you visit Brisbane and you’re sure to learn a lot, make some new friends, and have the time of your life!
