If you’re a patron of the arts, the Cairns Art Gallery is one attraction that you must visit. Even if you’re not, it’s still worth a visit while in Cairns. I’ve listed it in my article 101 Fun Things to Do in Cairns because it’s a great way to experience the local and Indigenous art and culture of the Far North Queensland region.  

“the cairns art gallery is an iconic cultural attraction in far north queensland.”

If you’re planning to visit the Art Gallery, you might want to know what’s the best way to experience this wonderful attraction and what you can expect to see and do here. If you’re undecided about visiting, I’ll give you some reasons why you should visit this Cairns attraction. And hopefully you’ll be better informed to make the right decision. 

So let’s take a look at the 10 reasons why you should visit the Cairns Art Gallery. 

Table of Contents

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1. 10 Reasons to Visit Cairns Art Gallery

2. Cairns Art Gallery Opening Hours

3. Cairns Art Gallery Address

10 Reasons You Should Visit Cairns Art Gallery

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1. Free entry to Cairns Art Gallery

Thanks to the Queensland Government as well as public and private donations, the Cairns Art Gallery is free to visit. Anyone from anywhere can visit the art gallery seven days a week without paying a cent. Tickets to most art galleries in Australia cost a lot so it’s nice to know that you can visit the Cairns Art Gallery for free as many times as you like.   

2. It showcases local and Indigenous artwork from Far North Queensland

As you travel through Cairns and the surrounding areas in Far North Queensland, you will find that the locals are very proud of their heritage and culture and this shows in the attractions you will visit. The Cairns Art Gallery is proud to display works of art from local and Indigenous artists past and present including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

The artworks depict the local flora and fauna native to Far North Queensland as well as the landscape and environment prior to European settlement depicted by Aboriginal people. 

3. It’s a small art gallery so it won’t take a lot of time to visit

The Cairns Art Gallery comprises three floors of artwork in a relatively small building. The art collections are not extensive so there’s not a lot to see at the gallery. 

If you’re someone who likes to take their time exploring museums and art galleries, expect to spend anywhere between 1 to 2 hours at the most. If you’re really quick, you could potentially see the entire art gallery in about 30 minutes. 

4. You can buy local artwork to take home

There are a couple of rooms in the Cairns Art Gallery that houses artwork that can be purchased by visitors. There is one small room on the right as you start your visit around the gallery that has a collection of artwork for sale. Another room in the attic has a further collection of artwork for sale to the public. 

The artwork that you will receive will be a print of the original painting. There are a few different sizes that can be purchased and of course the price varies according to the size. 

5. It’s got air-con so it’s an easy way to get out of the heat

If you’re visiting Cairns during the hot summer months, it’s a relief to get out of the heat and into the cool of an air-conditioned venue. The Cairns Art Gallery is a great place to cool your heels for an hour or so as you wander around taking in the paintings and other artwork. It’s located right in the heart of the city so you can duck in anytime during the day to get out of the heat and cool off. 

6. Majority of the collections are temporary so you will see something different every time you visit

The Cairns Art Gallery has a permanent collection and a visiting collection of artwork. While the permanent collection is small and lives on the third floor, the majority of the art gallery is made up of temporary or visiting collections that are loaned to the gallery for a few weeks to a few months. 

The Cairns Art Gallery works in collaboration with the Queensland Museum and the National Library of Australia to source many of their visiting collections. So expect to see lots of art collections on loan from these places. 

Some of the visiting collections are quite impressive. In 2022, the Art Gallery hosted the Archie 100, a century of the Archibald Prize collection. In 2023, they had a collection of paintings by Andy Warhol. 

To find the details of current and future exhibitions at the Art Gallery, visit their What’s On page.

7. There are beautiful souvenirs to purchase at the Cairns Art Gallery Shop

The Cairns Art Gallery shop is the last stop before you leave the building. It’s a beautiful shop full of lovely artifacts from Far North Queensland. If you’re visiting, this is a great place to pick up some souvenirs to take home. 

Local and Indigenous themes make up most of the items here which makes them very unique and memorable. From kitchen and home items to books on Far North Queensland, there is a variety of things to feast your eyes on in the Cairns Art Gallery shop. 

8. Head out for lunch to Perotta’s, the Cairns Art Gallery Cafe

Perrotta’s at the Gallery is the Cairns Art Gallery Cafe that sits just outside the building and draws a decent crowd in for its delectable lunch menu. 

The cafe, restaurant and bar offers an Italian menu in a relaxed outdoor environment. Open daily from 6:30am to 10:00pm, Perotta’s has an all-day dining menu that is sure to please. From the quintessential pizzas and pastas to antipastos and secondis, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t forget to try the house specialty Mimosas. 

9. Join one of the Cairns Art Gallery Classes to learn how to paint

If you ever wanted to learn how to draw or paint, you can do so at the Cairns Art Gallery. The art gallery conducts art classes throughout the year for both adults and kids. 

Most of the kids’ art classes start at the age of 8 or 9 and run through till 13 years of age. These paid classes are run by an artist who specialises in a certain area such as painting or drawing. 

10. Become a member of the Cairns Art Gallery and receive several benefits

If you live in Cairns or nearby and enjoy the arts, why not become a member of the Cairns Art Gallery and enjoy some nice membership benefits. 

• Exclusive access to exhibition talks and events
• 10% discount at the Gallery Shop 
• 10% discount on gift memberships
• Discounts and priority bookings on art classes
• Member magazine subscription
• 10% discount on dining at Perrotta’s at the Gallery
• 10% discount on accommodation at Mantra properties between Cairns and Port Douglas

One of the unseen benefits of being a member is that you are supporting not just the Art Gallery but also the local and Indigenous artists whose artwork is purchased by the gallery for their Permanent Collection. 

Cairns Art Gallery Opening Hours

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Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 2 PM

The Cairns Art Gallery is closed on public holidays. 

Cairns Art Gallery Address

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40 Abbott Street, 
Cairns City 
QLD 4870

Conclusion

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As a local, I’ve visited the Cairns Art Gallery a couple of times since moving here. I probably should visit more often given that it’s free to visit. However, I’ve enjoyed my visits to the gallery as there is always something different to see here. I love the local themes of Far North Queensland, Indigenous art and culture and flora and fauna native to the area. Best of all, it’s a short visit so I don’t have to spend several hours walking around the gallery. 

“I love visiting the cairns art gallery because it’s free and there’s always something new to see there.”

For more things to see and do in Cairns, read my article 101 Things to Do in Cairns. It’s a comprehensive list of everything you can do in Cairns allowing you to create the perfect bucket list for your next holiday to this exciting destination. 

I love to hear from my readers. Have you been to the Cairns Art Gallery? What did you like the most about it? Are you a local or just visiting? Please leave your comments below.