Art Gallery of Western Australia
Western Australia
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is a prominent public art gallery located in the Perth Cultural Centre, adjacent to the Western Australian Museum and State Library. Established originally in the early 20th century, AGWA now occupies a main building opened in 1979, designed in a Bauhaus style with a Brutalist exterior by architect Charles Sierakowski. The gallery hosts extensive collections of Indigenous Australian art, particularly from Western Australia and the Northern Territory, alongside Western Australian art spanning from the 1820s to the 1960s. AGWA is known for major projects like "Desert River Sea," highlighting Kimberley Indigenous art, and for hosting the prestigious Lester Prize, one of Australia's richest portraiture awards. The gallery also features evolving exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art, including annual showcases of graduating high school artists. Recent redevelopment, such as the "AGWA Elevate" rooftop project, has expanded its role as a cultural hub for sculpture, events, and film. AGWA plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of Western Australia and Indigenous communities, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
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Tip: Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibitions at a leisurely pace. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Consider purchasing tickets or registering for special exhibitions and events in advance, especially for popular shows like the Lester Prize. AGWA offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Don't miss the rooftop "AGWA Elevate" space for sculpture and events, which opened in 2021. Check the official website for the latest exhibition schedules and guided tour availability.
Zajímavosti
- •The main gallery building was designed using the Bauhaus method with a Brutalist exterior, an architectural style rare in Western Australia at the time.
- •AGWA hosts the Lester Prize, one of Australia's richest portraiture awards, attracting hundreds of entries nationwide.
- •The "Desert River Sea" project is a major Indigenous art initiative supported by significant funding from Rio Tinto, showcasing Kimberley artists over several years.
- •The gallery's administration building was originally the Police Quarters, built during the 1890s gold rush economic boom.
- •AGWA Elevate, a rooftop sculpture and events space, opened in 2021 as part of a $10 million redevelopment project.
Historie
The Art Gallery of Western Australia was originally part of the Jubilee Building, intended as a public library in 1887 but repurposed to house the gallery with its foundation stone laid in 1901 by the Duke of Cornwall and York.
The gallery administration moved into the former Police Quarters, designed by Hillson Beasley during the 1890s gold rush boom.
The current main gallery building was constructed in 1977 amid a mining boom and opened in 1979 to coincide with Australia's 150th federation anniversary.
Its design reflects the Bauhaus and Brutalist architectural movements, marking an innovative construction era in Western Australia.
Recent decades have seen expansions and redevelopments, including the 2021 rooftop project to enhance public engagement.
Průvodce po místě
Main Gallery Building1979
Opened in 1979, this building showcases a wide range of Indigenous and Western Australian art collections. Its Bauhaus and Brutalist design features innovative slab and shear head column systems.
The Centenary Galleries
Located in the old courthouse linked to the main building, these galleries host special exhibitions and complement the main collection.
AGWA Elevate Rooftop2021
A recently developed rooftop space dedicated to sculpture, events, restaurants, and film, enhancing visitor experience with panoramic city views.
Kontakt
Telefon: (08) 9492 6601
