GOMA Gallery of Modern Art is an independent contemporary art gallery and cultural space in Waterford City, providing a platform for emerging and established artists while making contemporary visual art accessible to the public.
Located at 6 Lombard Street, close to Waterford City Centre, GOMA Gallery of Modern Art Waterford presents a changing programme of exhibitions alongside artist residencies, workshops, talks, performances and community projects.
With free admission, GOMA is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in contemporary art, creativity and Waterford’s growing cultural scene.
What is GOMA?
GOMA – Gallery of Modern Art Waterford – is a contemporary visual arts organisation established in Waterford in 2015.
Its aim is not simply to display art. GOMA provides artists with opportunities and space to develop their work while encouraging the public to engage with contemporary art through exhibitions, workshops, events, education and outreach programmes.
The gallery works with both emerging and established artists and has developed into an important part of Waterford’s contemporary arts scene.
What Can You See?
Unlike a museum with a permanent collection, what you see at GOMA changes throughout the year.
The gallery typically hosts around eight exhibitions annually, presenting work by Irish and international artists across a variety of contemporary visual-art disciplines.
Depending on the exhibition, you might encounter painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, moving image, performance or mixed-media work.
That changing programme means GOMA can offer a completely different experience from one visit to the next.
Discover Contemporary Art
GOMA is particularly interesting if you want to explore what’s happening in art now, rather than concentrating solely on historical collections.
Its exhibition programme gives artists opportunities to experiment, develop ideas and explore contemporary subjects.
Recent programming demonstrates a particular interest in work dealing with people, place, society, identity, politics and the world around us.
You don’t necessarily need a detailed knowledge of contemporary art to visit. Part of GOMA’s stated mission is creating a welcoming environment where people can engage with art, including those who might not normally visit a gallery.
More Than an Art Gallery
There’s considerably more happening at GOMA than exhibitions.
Throughout the year, the organisation hosts artist talks, workshops, networking events, professional-development programmes, residencies, performances and community projects.
GOMA also supports working artists through studio facilities.
Its Lombard Street building includes gallery spaces, artist studios, workshop and rehearsal space, a print room, photography darkroom and other creative facilities. GOMA also operates additional sculpture studios at Park Road.
Supporting Emerging Artists
Supporting artists at different stages of their careers is an important part of GOMA’s work.
Alongside established artists, the gallery provides opportunities for emerging artists and curators, including exhibitions, residencies and professional-development initiatives.
In 2026, GOMA marked its 10-year anniversary programme with ten month-long artist residencies, each providing studio space, accommodation and a bursary to allow artists to concentrate on developing their practice.
For visitors, this connection with practising artists helps make GOMA feel more like a working creative space than a traditional museum.
Is GOMA Family Friendly?
Yes, although the suitability of individual exhibitions can vary.
GOMA has a strong education and community focus and has run programmes specifically aimed at children, young people, schools and community groups.
Contemporary exhibitions can sometimes explore challenging themes, however, so families with younger children may want to check what’s currently showing before visiting.
Where is GOMA?
GOMA Gallery of Modern Art is located at:
6 Lombard Street
Waterford City
X91 F2XP
Telephone: 087 196 1923
Email: gomawaterford@gmail.com
The gallery’s official visitor information currently lists free admission. As opening arrangements can change, check directly with GOMA before travelling.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Check what’s actually on before you visit.
GOMA isn’t a gallery where you’ll see the same collection every time. Its strength is its changing contemporary exhibition programme, so a quick look at the current exhibition beforehand will tell you what to expect.
And don’t worry if contemporary art isn’t normally your thing.
Give yourself time to look at the work before reading everything written about it. Decide what you think first – you may find the experience considerably more interesting that way.
What Can I Do Nearby?
GOMA’s Lombard Street location makes it easy to include as part of a wider exploration of Waterford City.
For art lovers, combine GOMA with Waterford Gallery of Art on O’Connell Street and Garter Lane Arts Centre to get a broader picture of Waterford’s visual and contemporary arts scene.
From there, continue towards the city centre and Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle, where you’ll find the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum, Irish Wake Museum, Reginald’s Tower and House of Waterford Crystal.
GOMA therefore works particularly well as part of a Waterford arts and culture walking itinerary.
For a food or drinks stop during your city visit, consider The Reg on The Mall or Geoff’s Café Bar beside the Apple Market on John Street. Browse Where to Eat in Waterford for more choices and check current menus and kitchen hours before visiting.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Contemporary art, culture, exhibitions and creative experiences
Location: 6 Lombard Street, Waterford City
Eircode: X91 F2XP
Type: Contemporary art gallery / cultural space
Indoor attraction: Yes
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Admission: Free
Exhibitions: Changing programme throughout the year
Also offers: Workshops, artist talks, residencies, performances and community programmes
Family friendly: Yes, although individual exhibition content may vary
Don’t miss: The current exhibition – check what’s showing before visiting
Combine with: Waterford Gallery of Art and Garter Lane Arts Centre
Because GOMA’s exhibitions and events change throughout the year, check the latest programme before visiting.
GOMA Gallery of Modern Art – Official Website
Features
- Artist Studios
- Exhibitions
- Free Admission
- Indoor Attraction
- Workshops
