From contemporary exhibits to classic collections, the best Gold Coast art galleries showcase the city’s burgeoning creative scene.

While artistic exhibitions were thin on the ground a few years ago, the Goldie now boasts an eclectic collection of galleries. Here’s a shortlist of the best options in town.

Dust Temple

Half trendy café, half artistic enclave, Dust Temple is fast becoming a Gold Coast institution. Set in a converted Currumbin industrial district warehouse, this ever-evolving space hosts a rotating roster of events. From poetry slams to open mic nights and live music to life drawing, there’s a shindig for every taste.

The place opens every day of the week. So pop into the on-site café for a yummy pastry and take a peek at what’s on.

19 Karen

Conveniently named after its address, 19 Karen is a sizeable contemporary gallery in a Mermaid Beach industrial street. Works from over 100 Aussie and international artists adorn its walls, with genres spanning pop art to surrealism and expressionism.

Check out the private collection of Gallery Director Terri Lew, who curated the entire exhibition. Entry is free, and you’re welcome to bring your four-legged friends. Pro tip: there’s two-hour parking behind the gallery on Pacific Square.

Home of the Arts (HOTA)

HOTA is humungous. Formerly the “Arts Centre Gold Coast,” this sprawling Surfers Paradise facility spans six storeys and 2,000m² of exhibition space. Other on-site facilities include a cinema, a theatre hall, a café, and an open-air amphitheatre. Oh, and there’s also a rooftop with sweeping Surfers Paradise views.

The council-funded centre recently underwent a $60 million renovation to make it bigger and better than ever before. Nowadays, it’s Australia’s largest gallery outside a capital city. Check out the bewildering roster of some 3,000 annual events—most are free.

The Walls Art Space

A bastion of off-the-wall contemporary art, The Walls is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Run by artists for artists, this not-for-profit Miami gallery showcases top local talent, including emerging and well-established creators.

Regular presentations and accompanying essays help contextualise these at-times-confusing experimental works. Resident creatives collaborate in The Walls Art Studio, and there’s a monthly art education programme and Sunday School for the public to get involved.

The Hive

Based in Burleigh, the HIVE is bringing fresh creative vibes to this stunning slice of coastline. This recently-launched artistic space hosts a plethora of public workshops, with genres spanning still life painting to film photography and watercolour techniques.

An on-site gallery showcases works from local and international talent. Social butterflies should swing by on Fridays for Buzz Night, a community-driven event where attendees bring their favourite vinyl record and wax lyrical over drinks. What better way to network than that? 

Experience Northern NSW Art with Kiff & Culture

You’ve sussed out the best Gold Coast art galleries. Now it’s time to broaden your horizons and explore further afield.

We visit a renowned Northern NSW art gallery on our two and three-day Gold Coast Boutique Stay & Play tour. Stylish lodgings, tasty tipples, and top-notch gastronomy come part of this indulgent multi-day adventure.