MARVEL AT GOMA – ACCESSIBLE ACTIVITIES BRISBANE

I shall mention from the outset, I feel extremely guilty for visiting the Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe exhibition at GOMA without BJ. At every turn he’d have been so excited to see costumes, pictures and memorabilia from the movies he loves . Usually Hubby and BJ head off together to see the Marvel movies, with the exception of anything featuring Robert Downey Jnr. If he’s in a movie, then I’m there because he’s such a good actor and totally swoon-worthy.

The Marvel exhibition covers the entire ground floor of GOMA with more than 500 objects including more than 60 original costumes (worn by actors including Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Tilda Swinton), comic books, props and spectacular set design. This is the first Marvel exhibition in Australia and the largest ever presented in a museum worldwide.

There’s seemingly no specific age bracket of appeal to this exhibition, with young kids, and adults of varying ages, equally engaged. Kids looked on in awe at the life-size costumes from the movies.

Adults seemed to be taking in the behind-the-scenes and technical details of the movie-making process.

The exhibition engages visitors by allowing interaction in many ways.

I saw many families sitting together, sketching in earnest, creating their own superheroes. I didn’t have a little person to share the experience with so I grabbed a couple of the print outs and took them for our little country cousins and AJ. At breakfast the next day the kids were totally engaged with colouring and designing their future superhero.

Dance like there’s no-one watching at GOMA and you’ll be surprised at the results. This activity is probably nearly as fun for those watching the participants as it is for those busting the moves. I found it hilarious watching those giving it a go, especially the adults who thought they oozed cool. Kids were thrilled to see their moves being replicated by their heroes.

I’m a keen movie-goer and love any behind-the-scenes tours and information. I’ve toured several of the movie studios in Los Angeles and loved it. Although Marvel isn’t my movie genre of choice, I can see how this is a must-see for Marvel fans.  Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, as well as the Avengers, Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy are all featured. The exhibition highlights the work of artists and creative teams behind the much-loved stories. This includes production design, storyboarding, prop design and visual effects.

ACCESSIBILITY

The exhibition is fully accessible and GOMA as a venue has excellent access throughout.

Companion Card is accepted for all ticketed exhibitions.

Stand-alone unisex toilets are available.

QAGOMA has a range of free services and programs for visitors with disability. Volunteer guides conduct customised tours for visitors living with a disability and booked special interest groups.

Free discussion-based tours are designed for visitors with dementia and their family member, carer or support worker. Each tour takes approximately one hour and focuses on specially selected artworks. Bookings in advance are necessary.

Free Auslan tours are scheduled on the last Sunday of the month from February to November. The  volunteer guide is accompanied by a NAATI accredited Auslan interpreter

Audio-described tours offer a narrated description of the visual elements of selected artworks. Tours are available on weekdays from February to November. Advance booking notice of 15 days is required.

Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are free to loan at GOMA but need to be booked in advance.

You can read more about the accessible and inclusive services offered by GOMA here.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

I walked to GOMA from Rydges South Bank where I was staying but if you are driving, accessible parking bays are located in the car parks in the Cultural Precinct. A temporary set down area for Australian Disability Parking Scheme permit holders is located on Stanley Place for drop off and pick up only.

MARVEL: CREATING THE CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

The Marvel exhibition finishes 3 September so you have plenty of time to pop in and check it out.

The exhibition will open until 9.00pm every Wednesday evening and an Up Late program will be presented on Friday evenings from 28 July to 1 September.

For more information or to purchase tickets to ‘Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe’, the film program or Up Late visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/marvel.

If you are visiting GOMA with kids, make sure you pop down one level from Marvel to do some art in the GOMA Children’s Art Centre. The space is just beautiful and made me nostalgic for the days when AJ would spend time together at the art gallery.

I visited the Marvel exhibition as a guest of Visit South Bank and GOMA but as always my opinions are my own. Just so you know, sadly, Robert Downey Jnr was no where to be seen at GOMA!