Image: ‘Raphael, the Traveller’, Bruno Catalano (2024), South Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and continues to capture global attention as one of the best places in the world to visit and Brisbane City Council is committed to supporting vibrant precincts to help shape the city’s incredible lifestyle.
There’s so much to see and do in the public art space across the city and suburbs – including historical trails, contemporary art and architecture trails and even small group walking tours.
Contemporary Art and Architecture Public Art Trail
Wander through the vibrant heart of Brisbane and discover captivating designs featured as part of Brisbane City Council’s Contemporary Art and Architecture Public Art Trail.
This self-guided walking tour showcases some of the city’s most awe-inspiring public artworks, telling a story about community, sustainability, and the evolving relationship between people and the developing environment.
Created in partnership with home-grown and international artists, these works have been embedded into Brisbane’s built environment as part of Council’s Percentage for Art Scheme – a program that encourages developers to include permanent public artworks in their projects.
The trail begins in South Brisbane, crossing over the river and snaking through various stops in Brisbane’s CBD.
Visiting all art installations will weave you through the CBD as you discover new nooks and crannies and immerse yourself in one of Australia’s fastest growing cities.
Image: ‘bloodlines weaving string and water’, Judy Watson (2022), South Brisbane
SELF-GUIDED CONTEMPORARY ART AND ARCHITECTURE TRAIL
- Explore 10 public artworks and architectural features along a self-guided tour of Brisbane.
- Discover unique design elements integrated into Brisbane’s buildings through the Percentage for Art Scheme.
- Follow the online map to navigate easily at your own pace.
- The mostly flat route is suitable for a range of mobility needs.
Cultural Heritage Public Art Trail
Explore Brisbane’s history and works from some of the city’s most famous sculptors, including Leonard Shillam and Daphne Mayo.
The Cultural Heritage Public Art Trail has 20 stops along a 1.3km trail, designed to explore the city’s historic plazas and squares.
The artworks encourage commemoration and remembrance, whether it’s tributes to influential people or events that have helped shape our city.
SELF-GUIDED CULTURAL HERITAGE TRAIL
- Explore 20 heritage-listed and contemporary artworks and monuments from King George Square to St Stephen’s Cathedral.
- The works in the trail vary from gargoyles, to sculptures and war memorials.
- Follow the online map or download the trail guide to navigate easily at your own pace.
- The mostly flat route is suitable for a range of mobility needs.
Image: ‘The Progress of Civilisation in the State of Queensland’, Daphne Mayo (1930) Brisbane
Brisbane Greeters 21st Century Brisbane walking tour
Looking for modern artwork and architecture?
Why not book a guided walking tour with one of Council’s Brisbane Greeters and discover new public buildings and artwork!
The 21st Century Brisbane tour focuses on changes that have taken place in Brisbane since 2000 – while also looking ahead at exciting projects currently underway for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
21ST CENTURY BRISBANE GUIDED WALK
- Discover 21st Century art, modern city laneways, architecturally designed buildings and exciting developments in Brisbane.
- Guided walking tour running for approximately 2-2.5 hours.
- Maximum group tour is 6 people.
Find more trail guides on the Brisbane City Council website and discover how Council is committed to creating more to see and do in Brisbane, as it continues to be Australia’s lifestyle capital.
Main Image: ‘What becomes of the clouds’, Megan Cope (2022), Brisbane