The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is an iconic cultural destination in the heart of Perth, showcasing an impressive collection of Australian and international art. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a first-time visitor, AGWA’s free guided tours offer a fantastic way to explore the gallery’s extensive collections, current exhibitions, and unique artistic narratives.
Why we love AGWA’s free guided tours.
Led by passionate and knowledgeable guides, these tours offer a deeper appreciation of the artworks on display. Trained guides share fascinating stories and insights about the artists and their creations, as well as context, historical background, and thought-provoking interpretations. Visitors can engage in interactive discussions, ask questions, and gain fresh perspectives that enhance their understanding of the collection.
- Deeper insights: Learn fascinating stories behind the artworks and artists.
- Expert knowledge: Guides provide engaging and informative interpretations.
- Interactive experience: Ask questions and discuss interpretations with your guide and fellow visitors.
- Always something new to see: Collections and exhibitions at AGWA are always changing, so you can repeatedly enjoy these tours and explore different dynamic artworks from various artists every time.
Free tours to explore.
Gallery Highlights Tour
When: 11am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Booking required: No
This tour is perfect if you want a well-rounded introduction to AGWA’s diverse collection (which has over 18,000 works!). Visitors will be guided through some of the most notable artworks, covering a mix of historical and contemporary pieces. Learn about the stories behind the artworks, the artists’ inspirations, and the impact of their work on the Australian and global art scene.
Highlights of First Nations Art Tour
When: 1pm Monday to Friday; 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Booking required: No
Australia has one of the oldest continuous living cultures in the world, and this tour is dedicated to showcasing the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. From ancient traditions to modern interpretations, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous storytelling, symbolism, and artistic expression. This is a must-do for anyone looking to understand the cultural significance of First Nations art.
Form & Feeling Tour
When: 11am on Mondays and Saturdays
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Booking required: No
Art has the power to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and spark imagination. This tour focuses on how artists use form, colour, texture, and composition to convey meaning and emotion. Through this exploration of AGWA’s collections, you’ll gain a better understanding of how artistic choices shape our responses to visual art. If you’re someone who often has an emotional response to art, this tour will help you articulate and analyse those feelings more deeply.
Friday Focus Tour
When: 12:15pm on Fridays
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Booking required: No
Short on time? The Friday Focus Tour is a bite-sized journey into a particular theme, artist, or artistic movement. Each week presents a different focus, ensuring that no two tours are alike. This is an ideal option for those who prefer a quick yet engaging look at a specific aspect of the gallery’s collection.
Gallery Highlights — Foreign Language Tours
When: 2pm on the third Saturday of each month
Durations: Approximately 1 hour
Booking required: Yes
Understanding art is a universal experience, but language barriers can sometimes limit access to deeper discussions. AGWA’s Foreign Language Tours aim to make the gallery more accessible to non-English-speaking visitors.
Each month they offer the Gallery Highlights tour in a language other than English (check the website to see what language they’re doing for the current month). With guides fluent in different languages, these tours ensure that everyone can engage with the art in a meaningful way.
How to join a free tour.
To book or not to book?
If the tour you’re interested in does not require a booking, simply arrive at AGWA 10–15 minutes before the tour starts. It’s worth nothing that, although bookings aren’t required for most tours, group sizes may be limited. You may like to arrive even earlier to secure a spot.
If you’re doing the Foreign Language Tour, you must book online prior, and then arrive at AGWA 10–15 minutes before the tour starts (like any other tour).
Getting there.
AGWA is just a short walk from the Perth Train Station and is easily accessible by public transport and car.
By train, you’ll need to stop at the Perth Train Station and make your way across the pedestrian overpass to the Perth Cultural Centre.
Transperth’s Blue CAT buses are also available, with the closest pick-up and drop-off points at the Museum stop on Beaufort Street.
Paid parking is available at the Cultural Centre car park (Roe Street), Perth Train Station car park (Roe Street) and State Library car park (Francis Street).
Where to go once you’re in.
Now that you’re at AGWA, meeting points for tours are typically at the main entrance or a designated, signed area within the gallery.
Final thoughts.
Exploring the Art Gallery of Western Australia through a free guided tour is one of the best ways to connect with art, history, and culture. Whether you prefer a general highlights tour, an in-depth look at Indigenous art, or a quick Friday focus session, AGWA has something for everyone.