What is the Art Gallery of Western Australia?
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is the state art museum, located in the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge. Founded in 1895, it holds Australian, Aboriginal and international art.
The gallery's main building, opened in 1979, is a striking example of brutalist architecture. A historic Victorian building, the former police courts, also forms part of the gallery complex.
Its collection includes more than 18,000 works, with strengths in Western Australian art, Aboriginal art from across the state and Australian art from colonial times to today.
Rooftop and exhibitions
In 2021 the gallery opened a rooftop sculpture garden and bar, offering views across Perth and featuring art installations. It has become a popular evening venue.
The gallery hosts major touring exhibitions and an annual showcase of Western Australian Aboriginal art.
General entry is free. The Perth Cultural Centre also includes the State Library of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip and the State Theatre Centre, making it the city's main cultural precinct.
Did You Know?
The gallery's collection of Aboriginal art includes major works from the Kimberley and Western Desert.