One of the most interesting ways to get to know a city is to take a peek into the art they admire and produce.
Whether you're an art lover or looking for a charming daytime activity, there are plenty of creative hubs to explore in Perth. Here’s your guide to some of the best art galleries in Perth and the surrounding regions.
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)
Located in the Perth Cultural Centre, AGWA is the home of visual arts in WA. Housed in an internationally renowned Brutalist building designed by Architect Charles Sierakowski, AGWA hosts an impressive collection of artworks by First Nations, Australian and International artists. Your visit won't be complete without a visit to the rooftop for some amazing views of the city skyline, complete with an open-air sculpture walk and a rooftop bar. General admission is free with donations welcomed, special exhibitions may have a fee.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Fremantle Arts Centre
Housed in a historic Gothic building, Fremantle Arts Centre is spread across a four-acre site and is a major player in the Perth arts scene. Acting as both a cultural and learning precinct, they run an annual program of groundbreaking visual art exhibitions as well as a range of multidisciplinary performance and music. The space is home to artist studios and regular workshops if you're looking for somewhere to flex your own creative muscles. General admission is free and open daily 10am-5pm.
Fremantle Arts Centre
Moores Building Art Space (MBAS)
In Fremantle's historic west end, pop into Moores Building Art Space. Subsidised by the City of Fremantle, this heritage-listed space has six individual exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions and partnerships with artists and the community. General admission is free with regular low-cost exhibitions, making it an accessible space for the local arts community.
Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery
If you're in the Swan Valley, be sure to drop into Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery. Aboriginal-owned and operated, the gallery is a wonderful stop to pick up intricately hand painted giftware, native herbs and spices and authentic Aboriginal art. For the best experience, take a wander through their garden with emus and bush tucker plants. Entry is free, making it a great place to learn about and purchase Aboriginal art.
Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery
Wanneroo Regional Gallery
The Wanneroo Regional Gallery is located in the Wanneroo Library & Cultural Centre and features a rotating selection of contemporary works by local and regional artists with frequent updates to their exhibitions. If you're after even more, the City of Wanneroo also offers a Public Art Safari which maps out 34 artworks in the locale for you to explore – perfect for a day trip. Entry is free to everyone.
Lost Eden Creative
Located on the main street of Dwellingup, you can easily spot Lost Eden Creative by its distinctive black facade and mural walls. This artist-run exhibition space houses a lofty art gallery interior, alongside a cafe in the sunny garden deck and a holiday residence attached to the rear. Here you'll find the works of emerging and established West Australian artists and an eclectic program of exhibitions throughout the year featuring a slew of contemporary and experimental art forms. The gallery is free to enter and often hosts workshops and community events.
Lost Eden Creative
Beverley Station Arts and Platform Theatre
In the vibrant country town of Beverley, be sure to visit Beverley Station Arts and Platform Theatre. The venue is the heart of the arts community and runs a fantastic Artist in Residence program throughout the year. For a special trip, visit during the Easter long weekend for the renowned annual Beverley Art Prize and Easter Art Exhibition. The event is now in its 53rd year, attracting large crowds for the event and Easter Markets. Entry is free although special exhibitions may have a fee.
Beverely Station Arts Gallery & Platform Theatre
New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery
For a uniquely historical experience, consider a trip to New Norcia – the only monastic town in Australia, situated 132km north of Perth next to the banks of the Moore River. The New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery is contains a series of interconnecting galleries that weaves the surprising, complex story of the town. From the Spanish Benedictine monks establishing its Benedictine abbey in 1848, their time as an Aboriginal mission, a centre of extensive farming and a place of education and culture. It is one of the largest collections of moveable religious art in Australia. General admission is $12.50 with concession discounts available.
Perth’s art galleries offer a diverse and enriching cultural experience. Whether you’re interested in contemporary works, indigenous art, or historical pieces, the region's galleries cater to all tastes. With many free entry options, exploring Perth’s art scene is both accessible and enjoyable.
