Art Gallery of Western Australia
Discover diverse art, from ancient Aboriginal works to contemporary pieces, with stunning city views from the rooftop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse art, from ancient Aboriginal works to contemporary pieces, with stunning city views from the rooftop.
"An easy way to spend an hour or so with a beautiful view over the city."
🎯 Rooftop Sunset Drinks
Head to the rooftop bar for amazing city views, especially at sunset. Great vibes with DJs sometimes!
🚶♀️ Free Guided Tours
Join a free tour to learn fascinating details about the art and history you might otherwise miss.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 2,854 reviews
Type
Art Gallery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Sculpture Garden & Bar
Rooftop Level
Enjoy panoramic city views, open-air sculptures, and a vibrant bar scene as the sun sets.
Aboriginal Art Collection
Dedicated Galleries
Discover the rich cultural heritage and profound stories embedded in ancient and contemporary Indigenous Australian art.
Rotating Exhibitions
Various Galleries
Experience diverse displays, from historical retrospectives to cutting-edge contemporary works, including the popular Lester Prize finalists .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxing Visit
Explore Beyond the Galleries
+1 Consider joining a free guided tour to gain deeper insights into the collections and the building's history.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rooftop Sunset Drinks
Head to the rooftop bar for amazing city views, especially at sunset. Great vibes with DJs sometimes!
🚶♀️ Free Guided Tours
Join a free tour to learn fascinating details about the art and history you might otherwise miss.
🎟️ Check Exhibition Schedules
See what's on before you go! Exhibitions vary, from historical pieces to contemporary art like the Lester Prize finalists.
📸 Capture the Views
The rooftop offers fantastic photo opportunities of Perth's skyline. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rooftop Sunset Drinks
Head to the rooftop bar for amazing city views, especially at sunset. Great vibes with DJs sometimes!
🚶♀️ Free Guided Tours
Join a free tour to learn fascinating details about the art and history you might otherwise miss.
🎟️ Check Exhibition Schedules
See what's on before you go! Exhibitions vary, from historical pieces to contemporary art like the Lester Prize finalists.
📸 Capture the Views
The rooftop offers fantastic photo opportunities of Perth's skyline. Don't forget your camera!
🎨 Explore Indigenous Art
The Aboriginal art collection is a significant highlight, offering deep cultural insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Art Gallery of Western Australia to be a pleasant way to spend an hour or two, appreciating its diverse art collections and the stunning city views from its rooftop. While some find the exhibitions a bit small or underwhelming compared to other state galleries, the free admission and the unique rooftop bar experience are frequently highlighted as major positives. The Aboriginal art collection is consistently praised for its significance and depth.
"Most of the first floor was closed for setting up new exhibitions for 3 weeks, but the rest of the gallery was worth visiting. The roof has excellent sculptures (including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth) and great views"
Simon Reap
"The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is a free-entry art museum located just north of Perth Station. One thing to note is that it cannot be accessed directly from street level—you need to go through the Level 1 concourse of the station, which can be a bit confusing at first.
The gallery’s collection felt smaller than I expected, but it clearly shows respect and consideration for Aboriginal culture through many of its exhibits. When I visited, there was a special exhibition of monochrome photography. Since I used to attend a monochrome photography class myself, I wanted to take my time appreciating the works—but there were so many pieces that I only managed to view them briefly. Still, it was a highly enjoyable experience.
Considering that admission is free, AGWA is an excellent spot to visit on a rainy day or when you’re looking for a calm, cultural experience in Perth."
Yoichi Satake (Yoh)
"The gallery itself isn’t very large and the exhibitions themselves are quite small. At the time of writing there was the Cast In Bronze exhibition which had some interesting pieces, Elise Blumann exhibition, Balancing Act exhibition and the Revivification exhibition all quite small and none that I would say are must see’s. Even the statue garden on the roof top didn’t have many statues. I feel if they had less exhibitions and made the ones they have larger and more interesting it would greatly improve. Possibly the next exhibitions would change my opinion but I really don’t feel like I need to hurry back."
Casandra TP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is located in the Perth Cultural Centre, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Perth Train Station is a short walk away. Parking is available in the surrounding area, though it can be costly.
Yes, there are several parking options near AGWA, including the Perth Cultural Centre Car Park and nearby city car parks. Be aware that parking fees can add up, especially for longer visits.
Absolutely! AGWA is well-served by public transport. Buses frequently stop in the Perth Cultural Centre, and it's a convenient walk from Perth Train Station. Check the Transperth website for the latest routes and schedules.
Yes, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is committed to accessibility. Lifts are available to access all levels, including the rooftop, and accessible restrooms are provided.
Walking from the Perth CBD is a pleasant option, taking around 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, many city bus routes will take you directly to the Perth Cultural Centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Art Gallery of Western Australia is free. However, special temporary exhibitions may have an associated ticket price.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially on public holidays.
For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required as admission is free. However, for popular special exhibitions, it's advisable to check the AGWA website for any booking recommendations or requirements.
Yes, AGWA often offers free guided tours of its permanent collections. These tours are a fantastic way to learn more about the artworks and are highly recommended by visitors.
The rooftop bar is generally accessible during its operating hours, and while entry to the gallery is free, you would purchase food and drinks separately. It's a great spot to enjoy the views.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the permanent collection galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Always look for signage in specific exhibition spaces, as some may have restrictions.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside the galleries to avoid obstructing other visitors and potentially damaging artworks. Check the gallery's visitor guidelines for specifics.
The rooftop sculpture garden and bar offer stunning panoramic views of Perth's skyline, making it a prime photography location, especially during sunset.
Photography rules for the Aboriginal art collection are usually the same as for other permanent collections. Look for signage, but generally, personal photography without flash is allowed.
Similar to photography, personal videography might be allowed in certain areas, but always check for specific restrictions. Commercial or professional videography usually requires prior permission.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, AGWA has a cafe located within the gallery, offering refreshments and light meals. The rooftop also features a bar that serves drinks and snacks, providing a unique dining experience with city views.
The rooftop bar typically offers a selection of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer, along with light snacks and share plates. It's a great place to unwind after exploring the galleries.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the gallery spaces to maintain the condition of the artworks and the cleanliness of the venue. It's best to consume your own food and drinks in designated outdoor areas or before entering.
The Perth Cultural Centre and surrounding CBD area offer a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Yes, the cafe is a convenient spot for a quick lunch or coffee break while visiting the gallery. It provides a relaxed atmosphere to recharge before continuing your art exploration.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
A typical visit can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibitions and whether you join a guided tour. Some visitors might spend longer if they particularly enjoy the rooftop bar or a special exhibition.
While exhibitions rotate, the Aboriginal Art collection is a permanent highlight. The rooftop sculpture garden and the Lester Prize finalists are also popular attractions.
Yes, AGWA often has family-friendly activities and exhibitions. The interactive nature of some displays and the open spaces can be engaging for children.
The Lester Prize is Western Australia's premier portraiture prize, and finalists' works are often exhibited at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, showcasing talented contemporary artists.
'Re-PLAY' was a vibrant, unplugged exhibition at AGWA featuring contemporary art, encouraging a hands-on and engaging experience for visitors.
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