There’s a lot that we love about our magnificent city and amazing art galleries is one of them. From exhibitions and galleries to the local artists you need to know about, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, curious student or merely looking for the perfect rainy day activity, these are the best art galleries to check out in Perth.
Art Gallery Of WA (AGWA)
Perth
Located in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery of WA houses the State Art Collection with works from renowned local and international artists from the 1800s to today. With a wide range of workshops and tours, there are ample opportunities for all kinds of art lovers to spark conversation, encourage discovery and promote learning.
Learn about Western Australian art in the ‘WA Journey’ gallery or pay a visit to the ‘Six Seasons space’, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Art lovers can also get excited about the new Elevate rooftop, which will house an open-air sculpture park packed with amazing works by local artists from the end of 2021.
PICA
Northbridge
As one of Australia’s leading establishments for the development and presentation of contemporary art, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts is an unmissable gallery for contemporary art lovers.
Set in a stunning heritage building in the heart of Perth, PICA is both a presenting and producing institution that boasts one of Australia’s biggest and most awe-inspiring exhibition spaces. With a focus to support innovation, experimentation, collaboration and transformation, the gallery showcases the best of Australian and international visual, performance and interdisciplinary display. Don’t forget to grab a vino and some nosh from PICA Bar on the way out.
Linton & Kay
Subiaco, West Perth And Caversham
Founded by Linton Partington and Gary Kay, Linton & Kay Galleries host an impressive array of fine arts, exhibitions and events. No matter what you’re into, there’s bound to be something for everyone with works from established and emerging artists specialising in Aboriginal Art, sculpture and contemporary painting.
Established in 1998, you can find their original gallery in Subiaco, their second New York Style gallery in West Perth’s Pickle District or their scenic Mandoon Estate Winery gallery located on the banks of the Swan River.
Holmes à Court Gallery
West Perth
Another little gem tucked away in West Perth’s Pickle District, Holmes à Court Gallery is home to an ever-changing programme of events designed to prompt discussions and debate about art and Australian culture. Characterised by high ceilings and abundant light, this picturesque warehouse gallery hosts some truly wonderful exhibitions.
Mossenson Galleries
Subiaco
Motivated by the desire to create Perth’s first gallery dedicated to high-quality indigenous artworks, Dr Dianne Mossenson founded one of Australia’s leading commercial galleries.
The gallery’s innovation and trendsetting has been acknowledged by public institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Victoria, all of which regularly source work from the gallery. With innovation at its core, the gallery often features exhibitions that challenge the preconceptions surrounding Indigenous art.
Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery
Crawley
Located within the Cultural Precinct of the University of Western Australia, the Lawrence Wilson Gallery is regarded as one of Australia’s best University galleries. Each year brings a new and diverse exhibition calendar, featuring historical and contemporary art, along with travelling exhibitions.
Artists and specialists as well as teaching and research staff from the university often come together to provide a range of public events such as artist talks, curating forums, lectures, presentations, workshops, conferences and even performances to help engage the wider community.
The Goods Shed
Claremont
Not your typical art gallery, The Goods Shed is a heritage railway building in the heart of Claremont that focuses on three pillars of Journeys, Collaboration and Connection, inviting people to connect through culture and creativity.
The space is home to monthly exhibitions showcasing artwork and installations as well as weekly events and functions from exhibition openings and speakers to conversation lounges, with the space even available to hire for events.
Gallows Gallery
Mosman Park
Gallows Gallery is inspired by Director Kathryn Stafford’s strong passion for Australian art, showcasing the work of some of Australia’s most prominent and successful artists. With over 30 years experience, Stafford has successfully created a stunning light-filled space in which artists love to exhibit and buyers love to visit.
Displaying a diverse range of art forms including painting, sculpture, glass and ceramics, its carefully curated exhibitions also feature artworks from leading Western Australian artists.
Heathcote Museum & Gallery
Applecross
Located within the culturally significant Heathcote Complex, the Heathcote Museum and Gallery hosts regular exhibitions from local artists and is also home to a museum that details the history of the iconic Heathcote site.
Now a heritage-listed, public space, the gallery also boasts an Artist in Residency program, stunning venues for hire and a number of workshops to help get those creative juices flowing. Better yet, the Heathcote Complex is also home to the beautiful Bluewater Bistro, so you can pop in for a post-gallery feed.
Moores Building
Fremantle
Located in Freo’s West End, the Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery is a subset of the Fremantle Arts Centre. Subsidised by the City of Fremantle, the art gallery offers a diverse showcase of contemporary art by local, national and international artists in low-cost exhibition and project spaces.
And of course, a visit to the Moores Building would not be complete without a meal at Moore & Moore Cafe.
PS Art Space
Fremantle
Contemporary art lovers rejoice at PS Art Space in Fremantle, one of Perth’s most exciting and experimental galleries to experience contemporary culture. Home to Western Australia’s largest independent artist’s studio community, the 36 spaces are occupied by a diverse and passionate group of artists from a range of disciplines.
Housed in a stunning heritage-listed building, the site has been sensitively restored and is subject to an ongoing conservation program to ensure that the 100-year-old site retains its integrity and beauty.
The Fremantle Arts Centre
Fremantle
Opening in 1973, Fremantle Arts Centre is the City of Fremantle’s premier arts service and one of Australia’s leading art organisations.
With free exhibitions, ticketed concerts, events and even art courses, there’s plenty to see and do at this iconic venue. Surrounded by pristine gardens, make sure to grab a coffee at the onsite cafe and take your time exploring the beautiful gallery. Don’t forget to visit the shop!
Kidogo Arthouse
Fremantle
Set in the 1884 heritage-listed Old Kerosene Store on the scenic Bathers Beach, it’s no wonder Kidogo Arthouse is a coveted venue for events with its uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Hosting a variety of artists and exhibitions throughout the year, Kidogo is a stunning place to appreciate a range of art forms. If you’re feeling inspired, you can even go along to one of their life drawing classes while listening to the sounds of the ocean.
Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery
Fremantle
Specialising in Aboriginal art, Japingka boasts a broad cross-section of art from leading indigenous artists and regions. The two upstairs levels of the gallery showcase 12 exhibitions annually and are selected from emerging and established community artists.
All artworks are sourced ethically, with Japingka an active member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia and the Australian Federal Government’s Indigenous Art Code. With a selection of 4500 artworks, this gallery is a must-visit.
John Curtin Gallery
Bentley
Set within Curtin University, the John Curtin Gallery aims to provide a forum for examining the past, how it shapes our present and imagining the future. As one of the country's largest and best-equipped university galleries, you’ll definitely need to pencil in a visit.
Art Collective WA
Perth
Established in 2013, the Art Collective is run by artists in a bid to help further their careers and create opportunities, with long-term local artists invited to join as members. Members’ work is exhibited within the gallery along with other artists who feature in the annual gallery program by invitation. Displaying 12 exhibitions a year, there’s always plenty of fresh local talent to observe and appreciate.
Keen for more? Check out Australia’s Most Beautiful Art Galleries here and start planning your visit.
Image credit: Art Gallery Of WA