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Art Galleries

Perth Art Galleries

Compare eleven verified gallery guides covering Perth Cultural Centre, the city, Crawley, Bentley, Claremont and Fremantle.

Last updated: 2026-10-16

Frederick McCubbin's 1889 painting Down on his luck, showing a seated prospector beside a campfire
Frederick McCubbin, Down on his luck, 1889. State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia. Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons.

One artwork, one story

Down on his luck is less straightforward than it looks

McCubbin painted the bush landscape outdoors at Box Hill, then added the seated figure (modelled by artist Louis Abrahams) in the studio. The failed prospector appears weary and alone, yet the painting was also made during a period when artists were constructing heroic national stories around settlers and the bush.

Look past the figure first. The light, smoke and densely worked landscape tell as much of the story as his lowered face.

Read AGWA's interpretation · Plan an AGWA visit

Works can move between galleries or go off display. Check current exhibitions before travelling for one artwork.

Gallery Planning

How to choose Perth art galleries

AGWA and PICA sit in the Perth Cultural Centre, while Gallery Central is a central-city stop. Lawrence Wilson and John Curtin require separate university-campus trips. FORM is beside Claremont Station, Holmes à Court no.10 is in West Perth, and the Fremantle guides separate the West End from Finnerty Street.

The directory now includes public, contemporary, university, commercial and Aboriginal art galleries plus a Fremantle comparison guide. Check each official programme before travelling because exhibitions, opening periods, event ticketing and access arrangements differ.

Verified Starting Points

Eleven gallery guides with current visitor information

These details were checked against the venues' official visitor pages on 25 September 2026. Check the linked venue page before travelling because exhibitions, access routes and closures can change.

Area links

Plan a gallery visit by area

These links connect the central galleries and the two university campuses with practical area and transport planning.

Fremantle attractions

Plan Japingka, Moores and Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre with West End and waterfront stops.

Perth without a car

Build a train, bus and walking plan for central Perth, UWA Crawley or the Bentley campus before travelling.

FAQ

Art Gallery FAQ

Are Perth art galleries free?

AGWA general entry is free, with donations welcome. PICA exhibitions are free, while performances may be ticketed. Other venues and special programs can have different arrangements.

Where should I check current exhibitions?

Check the official gallery website before visiting, as exhibitions, opening hours and access details can change.

Can I visit Perth art galleries without a car?

The central Perth, Claremont and Fremantle venues can be planned by train, bus and walking. Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery and John Curtin Gallery need separate bus journeys to Crawley and Bentley plus campus walks. Check Transperth before travelling, as routes and timetables can change.

Are gallery exhibitions always open?

Some spaces may open only during exhibitions or by appointment. Check the gallery before visiting.