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Museums #11 in Perth

The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA

4.4 · 2,808 reviews
Reflective and intellectually engaging
The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Interesting facts
1

The gallery's rooftop space, opened in 2021, features a massive mural by Badimia artist Shane Pickett that wraps around the exterior.

2

The collection includes the largest holding of works by Indigenous Australian artists in the state.

3

The buildings are prime examples of the Brutalist architectural style popular in Australian public projects during the late 1970s.

4

AGWA houses a dedicated gallery for the preservation and display of the historic Hackett Collection.

5

The rooftop features a specific 'Artist Commission' space that changes annually to showcase local WA talent.

Overview

The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) houses the state's premier collection of Indigenous and international art within a modernist architectural complex. The institution is located in the Perth Cultural Centre, featuring galleries that span historical colonial works to contemporary multidisciplinary installations. A centerpiece of the facility is the rooftop precinct, which offers an open-air sculpture walk and panoramic views of the Perth skyline. The permanent collection holds over 18,000 works, with a significant focus on Australian art from 1829 to the present. The gallery complex includes Brutalist structures designed by architect Charles Sierakowski, opened in 1979. It frequently hosts touring international exhibitions alongside specialized displays dedicated to Western Australian artists. The site is a key component of the state's cultural infrastructure and remains a central hub for visual arts discourse in the region.

Photo spot

The rooftop terrace, specifically the vantage point overlooking the urban landscape and the James Street sculpture installation.

Insider tips

Visit the rooftop sculpture walk before sunset for the best lighting across the city skyline.

Check the official website for current temporary exhibition schedules as they rotate frequently.

Use the free lockers provided to store large bags before entering the gallery spaces.

What to avoid

Do not rush through the ground floor galleries, as they contain significant historical pieces often overlooked by visitors heading straight to the roof.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays.

Etiquette

No flash photography in specific exhibition rooms; maintain a quiet volume to respect other visitors.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons for the quietest gallery experience; Friday evenings for rooftop events.
Address
The Art Gallery of Western Australia | AGWA, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth WA 6000, Australia
-31.951, 115.861
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsIndigenous Art Collection, Hackett Collection, Contemporary WA Sculpture

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons for the quietest gallery experience; Friday evenings for rooftop events..

The rooftop terrace, specifically the vantage point overlooking the urban landscape and the James Street sculpture installation.

Close by you'll find Elizabeth Quay, RAC Arena, WA Museum Boola Bardip.