Art Gallery of Western Australia
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Art Gallery of Western Australia
4
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Founded in 1895, the Art Gallery of Western Australia has the pre-eminent holdings of Western Australian art, craft and design from 1829 to the present. Our collections and exhibitions offer visitors exciting encounters with the art of Western Australia, traditional and contemporary Australian Indigenous art and the art of the world. Entrance is free, donations are welcome. We’re located in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre and easily accessible from the Perth Train Station.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Art Gallery of Western Australia and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Perth CBD
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,516 within 5 kms
Attractions
321 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- SwisshenPerth, Australia2,323 contributionsRather OrdinaryAlthough this is a large airy building it rather lacks something. The Indigenous exhibition. You also are not allowed to take in the smallest handbags even though mine was only big enough for my phone and purse. Hey ho I can deal with that what I cannot tolerate are rude and surly members of staff.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2023
- Dan LBunbury, Australia7,494 contributionsDisappointing!!First visit to the Ary Gallery in many years and, unfortunately disappointing. We both enjoyed the Highlights of First Nations Art exhibits, exceptional skills and an insight to culture, both ancient and the present. Elsewhere, many vacant spaces, a couple of galleries closed and nothing evident on the Rooftop.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2023
- Jen8 contributionsWorth a visitEnjoyed our visit to AGWA, we actually went twice! The gallery is free and there is a free cloak room on entry where there will make you leave any bags. There was a nice mix of collections, particularly enjoyed seeing the students work which was on display when we visited.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 September 2023
- Trevor PSingapore183 contributionsArtful ExpressionsAs an art lover, I made it a must to pop into the Gallery to have a view of the art of display here. Surprisingly, there were some reviews where people mentioned that the art was not to their taste. Personally I loved the exhibition, especially "Balancing Act" ,"Death Metal Summer" & "State of Abstraction". The Gallery is not open on Tuesdays, as I found to my dismay, having not planned that visit properly. Their opening hours are also from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. I went in summer, so the light filtering into the gallery at the rooftop was perfect and something you shouldn't miss. Entry is free, you'll be require to leave your bags and won't be able to bring your tripods in! Make a visit!Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 February 2024
- V WGreater Adelaide, Australia322 contributionsModern art rather than classicsIt was a 43-degree day when we visited, so we appreciated the cool air conditioning. All drinks had to be left at the entrance, with a ticket provided to reclaim yours when you left. Due to the ridiculous vandalism that has been taking place around the world, this is a good idea. Pity it's needed, though. We were hoping to see some classic pieces, but most of what is there is modern art, with a strong indigenous perspective. We wandered for an hour or so, but left largely disappointed. The café did not take cash, so we refused to make a purchase.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
696 reviews
Excellent
279
Very good
283
Average
98
Poor
17
Terrible
19
sarah O
Perth, Australia16 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
There is always something to see and do at the art gallery. Gold coin donation for the regular exhibitions and maybe 10- 30 dollars for other exhibitions. Great day out.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
V W
Greater Adelaide, Australia322 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
It was a 43-degree day when we visited, so we appreciated the cool air conditioning. All drinks had to be left at the entrance, with a ticket provided to reclaim yours when you left. Due to the ridiculous vandalism that has been taking place around the world, this is a good idea. Pity it's needed, though.
We were hoping to see some classic pieces, but most of what is there is modern art, with a strong indigenous perspective. We wandered for an hour or so, but left largely disappointed. The café did not take cash, so we refused to make a purchase.
We were hoping to see some classic pieces, but most of what is there is modern art, with a strong indigenous perspective. We wandered for an hour or so, but left largely disappointed. The café did not take cash, so we refused to make a purchase.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
car0leb66
Brisbane, Australia245 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Our family visit to the State Art Gallery of WA was very disappointing. We were visiting family and always like to visit this art gallery when we come over from the east. We especially like to revisit the Centennial Gallery where the iconic pictures belonging to the gallery are shown such as Frederick McCubbin and Kathleen O'Connor. There was little to interest us. A few Kalgoorlie paintings were interesting and the pictures by Sydney Parkinson from the Joseph Banks Florilegium. The exhibitions were mostly "modern" and some were very weird. The cultish photographic exhibition Death Mental on the top floor was especially distasteful. The three tin sheds in the foyer are inexplicable and don't draw you in. Also there are very few seats to wait on in the foyer. Also you wouldn't want to sit outside for a cafe drink in Perth's often 40 degree heat. Since this is a public gallery of the state, they should cater more for the public of wide ranging tastes, including traditional. Not sure if it will be worth a visit next time.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trevor P
Singapore183 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
As an art lover, I made it a must to pop into the Gallery to have a view of the art of display here. Surprisingly, there were some reviews where people mentioned that the art was not to their taste. Personally I loved the exhibition, especially "Balancing Act" ,"Death Metal Summer" & "State of Abstraction".
The Gallery is not open on Tuesdays, as I found to my dismay, having not planned that visit properly. Their opening hours are also from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. I went in summer, so the light filtering into the gallery at the rooftop was perfect and something you shouldn't miss. Entry is free, you'll be require to leave your bags and won't be able to bring your tripods in!
Make a visit!
The Gallery is not open on Tuesdays, as I found to my dismay, having not planned that visit properly. Their opening hours are also from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm. I went in summer, so the light filtering into the gallery at the rooftop was perfect and something you shouldn't miss. Entry is free, you'll be require to leave your bags and won't be able to bring your tripods in!
Make a visit!
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snowleaf2018
Perth, Australia42 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Really disappointing. Where are the many permanent art work that were in the centenary gallery? Why can’t we see them any time as tax payers? Why are they always in storage? I am not really seeing the appeal of brown sheds. The exhibitions were all modern, all trying to make a political comment in really similar ways, and all pretty ugly and boring tbh. The Death Metal was actually awful. Neither myself or the 5 other visitors got anything out if that that we couldn’t get on YouTube. We already get so much negative depressing American crap in other mediums. I really liked about 5 works (Nigel from MR in Cent Gallery). I was embarrassed to take my visitors there. I won’t be returning with visitors again. I will take them back to the WA museum instead. The rooftop was very under-utilised and again why go up there. You got one star for the air conditioning. Ps one member of party went to wait downstairs and there was not enough seating as there were other bored visitors waiting to exit. No air con for most of the cafe.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Ashtead, UK1,290 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We were pleased we visited but much of the art within wasn't really to our taste. Impressive building and collections though
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,570 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
This gallery is free to enter and is close to the Perth Railway station. It has some interesting pieces but the collection was more limited than I had imagined.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jen
8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Enjoyed our visit to AGWA, we actually went twice! The gallery is free and there is a free cloak room on entry where there will make you leave any bags. There was a nice mix of collections, particularly enjoyed seeing the students work which was on display when we visited.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia7,494 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
First visit to the Ary Gallery in many years and, unfortunately disappointing. We both enjoyed the Highlights of First Nations Art exhibits, exceptional skills and an insight to culture, both ancient and the present. Elsewhere, many vacant spaces, a couple of galleries closed and nothing evident on the Rooftop.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
70 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Massive, grey walled edifice. Feels as if it is native to Bosnia. The 'art works' don't. You truly need to be in rude heath and in possession of your own provisions as at 10 minutes to closing time they refuse to serve you a cup of tea.
Worst gallery/museum we have seen. Total wank
Worst gallery/museum we have seen. Total wank
Written 11 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IntrovertLikesTravel
Hobart, Australia237 contributions
How much time would you suggest spending at the Art Gallery of WA in one day in November 2017? According to the AGWA website, Current Exhibitons then will include: WA Now – Gregory Pryor, Six seasons gallery – outside: matters of the heart in indigenous art, Your Collection (Ongoing), The Collection - Currently you can view historical works from the 1800s-1920s in the Centenary Galleries. Contemporary works from 1980-today are also on display.
Black Swan Prize for Portraiture (Nov 1 - 27).
123curiousme
76 contributions
I love to take my time and when I visited there were several spaces closed for change of exhibition, spent three or so hours. Sounds like when you visit they will all be open...I would allow minimum of three and if you are like me, more. There is another gallery very close which is also worth spending time in..sadly it was closed for change of exhibition when I was in Perth. The State Library (also very close) has exhibitions and you could spend an hour there. Stop for lunch and you have filled a day!
Valma E
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia4 contributions
I remember seeing a painting in your gallery (2 years ago?) by one of the "Heidelberg School"... ?McCubbin, Roberts? ... I don't remember who! It was a "cottage" scene, in the kitchen. As I recall, it showed a fire, with kettle on the hob, etc, with mantlepiece above.
On the mantlepiece was an "old" clock (by our modern standards). When I came home, I looked at the old clock we have here, and I thought, "This is the same (or close to it) as the one in that painting in the WA Art gallery!"
I now regret not taking more notice of that painting. Perhaps I should have taken a photo? (Is that allowed these days?)
I can't recall the details of the painting... not even of the artist. I have a particular interest in Roberts/Mc Cubbin et al. and would be interested in finding out more about this painting if I can.
Are you able to help me please? Can you identify the painting I have described? I'm sorry I don't have the name of the paining or even of the artist... just the "impression" it left on me. (I would love to have a picture of the painting... perhaps you have one in your shop?)
Thank you for taking the trouble to at least read this e-mail... and, I hope, being able answer my query,
Sincerely,
Allen Edwards
Bayswater,
Victoria
________________________
Dear Allen
Thank you for your message and for visiting the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Based on your description we believe it may be the painting titled 'Breaking the News' by John Longstaff.
We hope this is the painting you are referring to. If not please feel free to email us online@artgallery.wa.gov.au
The AGWA team.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingART GALLERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Hotels near Art Gallery of Western Australia:
- (0.21 km) Alex Hotel
- (0.23 km) Adina Apartment Hotel Perth Barrack Plaza
- (0.33 km) QT Perth
- (0.20 km) Akara Hotel
- (0.34 km) DoubleTree by Hilton Perth Northbridge
- Restaurants near Art Gallery of Western Australia:
- (0.04 km) Hiss & Smoke
- (0.05 km) Livingstone's Urban Jungle
- (0.21 km) Grand Lane Fish House
- (0.20 km) Toastface Grillah
- (0.23 km) Sauma