New Art Gallery of WA rooftop venue set to open with stunning views
The State Government's $10 million project to transform the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) rooftop is complete, with the 500-capacity multipurpose arts space and bar now Perth's biggest rooftop venue.
The refurbished space offers stunning 360 degree views from the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre to the Perth skyline, Northbridge, Matagarup Bridge and the Perth hills.
The project's completion marks the delivery of a State Government election commitment, helping to further enliven Northbridge as a cultural and entertainment destination.
The rooftop includes a bar, entertainment facilities, gallery space and an open air rooftop sculpture walk featuring works from the State Art Collection.
The redevelopment created over 265 jobs during construction, with the new commercial offering to support further local jobs in hospitality and cultural tourism.
The venue's centrepiece is the 34-metre long, five-metre high light-based artwork Targets, by Minang/Wardandi/Bibbulmun artist Christopher Pease, which wraps the rooftop exterior. It is the largest artwork the gallery has ever commissioned.
As part of the redevelopment, gallery conservation labs were moved and upgraded to enable a new roof level internal gallery, with the ground floor revitalised with a new mural and entry space.
The project was designed by Perth-based firm TAG Architects and Sydney firm fjmt.
The rooftop opens on 6 November 2021 in time for the summer festival season, operating during normal gallery hours.
The bar will be open Friday to Sunday evenings across summer months and is available for venue hire across the week.
The rooftop's opening aligns with the beginning of The View From Here, the largest ever exhibition and celebration of Western Australian art displayed throughout the gallery, featuring 30 major new works by leading WA artists and creatives.