Perth cultural centre - Tourism Western Australia

Enter a dynamic public space with an ever-changing mix of cultural and art-filled experiences. Set against an eye-catching backdrop of state heritage buildings and striking modern architecture, Perth’s (Boorloo's) captivating cultural precinct is home to performance spaces, art galleries and a stunning new museum that immerses you in the stories of Australia’s traditional owners and their spiritual connection to the land.

Come for coffee and a wander through the thoughtfully designed spaces, or enjoy a cocktail and a live show. Whatever you’re into, the precinct’s vibrant atmosphere is fuelled by a compelling array of experiences and events that engage the mind, body and soul.

Perth Cultural Centre is in buzzing Northbridge, adjacent to Perth Station, which makes it easy to travel by train. Once a little-visited urban area, this cultural precinct has been transformed into a must-see destination courtesy of an ambitious transformation project. It’s here you’ll find the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), WA Museum Boola Bardip, State Library of Western Australia, The Blue Room Theatre, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) and the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia.

Take a walk through AGWA’s rooftop sculpture garden, spend an afternoon admiring artworks, and watch dance performances. Once you’ve explored the lively cultural venues, cross the precinct’s public square– to join Northbridge’s diverse live music, bar and eating scene.

WA Museum Boola Bardip
<p>Welcome to the WA Museum Boola Bardip, a vibrant arts and culture hub in the heart of Perth CBD (Boorloo). Meaning ‘many stories’ in the traditional Nyoongar language, the museum offers a bold, dynamic setting for Western Australia's fascinating stories, history and culture to unfold through state-of-the-art technology and innovative, interactive exhibits.</p>
State Library of Western Australia
The State Library of Western Australian is located in the cultural precinct alongside popular museums in the heart of Perth's city centre.<br/><br/>The Alexander Library building, home to the State Library, is one of the city's important architectural landmarks. Inside the building, visitors can enjoy modern, air-conditioned facilities and plenty of comfortable seating with wonderful views over the city centre from its upper levels. A coffee lounge and bookshop are located on the ground floor.<br/><br/>The extensive collections of library materials include major international newspapers, magazines, and guidebooks. There are facilities for listening to music, watching films and videos or surfing the internet.<br/><br/>Visitors interested in family history will find a wealth of resources in the Genealogy Centre to explore. <br/><br/>The JS Battye Library of West Australian History, the world's foremost collection of Western Australian material, provides extensive information about the State and its history. From contemporary newspapers and publications to rare and unique items, the Battye Library collections tell the story of Western Australia from its distant past to the present day. <br/><br/>Whether you just want a place to sit and relax or you are interested in investigating some information, the State Library has it all together for you.
State Theatre Centre of WA
Housing the Heath Ledger Theatre, named after late Perth-born Hollywood actor Heath Ledger, this 575-capacity theatre is part of a defining architectural landmark in the city; home to the Black Swan State Theatre Company and Co3 Australia.<br/><br/>Designed by award-winning Kerry Hill Architects, the State Theatre Centre’s design delivers a building that not only provides a functional and inspiring venue for performers and their audiences but has also become an instantly recognisable part of the city. Two interactive, visually and audibly stunning artworks ‘Falling from Heaven to Earth, the Shooting Star’ and ‘Interval’ are part of the physical structure using current technology to connect the history of the site with its present and future.<br/><br/>The Centre hosts contemporary performing arts, such as theatre, dance and music with a focus on distinctive professional and contemporary work produced locally, nationally and internationally.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Situated in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre, The Art Gallery of Western Australia is the home of visual arts in Western Australia.<br/><br/>Housed in an internationally renowned Brutalist building designed by Architect Charles Sierakowski, The Art Gallery of Western Australia has an impressive collection of artworks by First Nations and Western Australian artists, alongside works from around Australia and the world.<br/><br/>The Art Gallery of Western Australia's exciting rooftop redevelopment hosts one of the largest rooftop spaces in Western Australia, complete with an open-air sculpture walk, rooftop bar and venue space, taking in Perth’s incredible city skyline and Noongar artist Christopher Pease’s illuminating 34-metre artwork.<br/><br/>Alongside the new is one of Western Australia's oldest buildings, the former police courts built in 1905. These heritage-listed ‘Centenary Galleries’ are now home to a changing rotation of exhibitions.<br/><br/>The Art Gallery of Western Australia hosts a diverse line-up of exhibitions across the year, accompanied by an exciting program of events, including artist talks, music, performance art, and more.<br/><br/>A visit would not be complete without browsing the stunning design, craft and art products found in the Gallery’s Design Store known for its focus on stocking innovative design pieces by local and international artists.

Places to visit

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Places to visit

WA Museum Boola Bardip

Welcome to the WA Museum Boola Bardip, a vibrant arts and culture hub in the heart of Perth CBD (Boorloo). Meaning ‘many stories’ in the traditional Nyoongar language, the museum offers a bold, dynamic setting for Western Australia's fascinating stories, history and culture to unfold through state-of-the-art technology and innovative, interactive exhibits.