Art Gallery of Western Australia Complex

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of Late Twentieth Century Brutalist architecture.
The construction of Main Gallery Building marks the second mineral boom and the maturing of the State and its cultural institutions.
The place is highly valued for its function as a cultural institution and contributes to the community’s sense of place as part of the Perth Cultural Centre.
The place demonstrated an innovative construction system and planning method in Western Australia and remains an uncommon form.
The place is representative of the maturing of the state and the late twentieth century phase of development of its cultural institutions.

Physical Description

Main Gallery Building (1979) is a five storey Late Twentieth-Century Brutalist style concrete-framed building clad with concrete blocks and with a space frame awning. The building faces the pedestrian walkway running from the Perth Railway Station to the Alexander Library. From this walkway (at the concourse level) the building reads as three levels in height. The fourth lower level is located below the paved concourse area and is at street level at Roe Street. The concourse level of the Art Gallery contains several hexagonal gallery spaces, an internal assembly area, service areas, bookshop, main foyer and café. The café is accessible from the pedestrian walkway. The floor above provides a large overhang over the front entrance to the Art Gallery. Main Gallery Building has linking buildings to both the Centenary Galleries and the Administration Building. The majority of the original fabric remains with minor alterations such as the extension of the cafe, new main doors and the interlinking building to the Centenary Galleries. In 2011, the installation of twin canopy additions was intended to replace the entry area to the Art Gallery and renovation works to the front façade were undertaken for maintenance.

History

Main Gallery Building was built to replace its predecessor in Beaufort Street, which was part of the historic museum, art gallery and library complex, and marks the second mineral boom and the maturing of the State and its cultural institutions.
The construction of Main Gallery Building from 1977 was made possible by improved economic conditions resulting from the mineral boom of the 1970s and the impetus provided by the State’s impending Sesquicentenary in 1979. The Alexander Library, also part of the Perth Cultural Centre, was commenced in the same year.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
High level of authenticity.

Condition

Fair - Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.