Museum

Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts(PICA)

📍 51 James Street, Northbridge WA 6000 (Perth Cultural Centre)

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4.4/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Introduction

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) is Western Australia's oldest contemporary art institution, formally incorporated in 1989 and growing out of the earlier Praxis group. It is housed in the historic former Perth Central School building in the Perth Cultural Centre. This red-brick heritage building now serves as a multidisciplinary production and presentation hub staging visual art, dance, experimental theatre, new music and live art. PICA is renowned for major shows such as the annual national graduate exhibition 'Hatched'. More than a gallery, it is a production house for new work, and most exhibitions are free to the public.

✨ Highlights

WA's oldest contemporary arts body

Incorporated in 1989 from the earlier Praxis group, the longest-running contemporary arts institution in WA.

Multidisciplinary programme

Programmes span visual art, dance, experimental theatre, new music and live art.

Historic school building

Set in the former Perth Central School, a red-brick heritage building with character.

National graduate show

Hosts the annual 'Hatched' national graduate exhibition spotlighting emerging artists.

Free and open

Most shows are free to view in the Cultural Centre, an easy contemporary-art stop.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.

→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.

→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.

→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.

→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually Tue-Sun 12pm-5pm, closed Mondays; exhibition times per official notices.; admission: Most exhibitions free; some performances/events may charge. Check official notices..

• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.

• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts(PICA)?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Usually Tue-Sun 12pm-5pm, closed Mondays; exhibition times per official notices.; admission: Most exhibitions free; some performances/events may charge. Check official notices.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.