The Art Gallery of WA: A Brutalist Masterpiece Built with Midland Brick

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Bold, geometric and unapologetically modern, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is one of the country’s finest examples of late Brutalist architecture and Midland Brick is proud to have contributed to its creation and preservation.

Situated at the heart of Perth’s cultural precinct, the Gallery was designed by Polish-born Perth architect Charles Sierakowski of the Public Works Department, with support from consulting architects Summerhayes and Associates. Officially opened in 1979 by Premier Sir Charles Court, the building was unveiled as part of WA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The original structure and subsequent additions were built using thousands of locally made Besser Blocks. Decades later, in 2011, Midland Brick was once again called upon to support a major external refurbishment. We manufactured over 30,000 specially matched blocks, including custom angled units to suit the Gallery’s unique hexagonal geometry.

Today, the Art Gallery of WA continues to serve as a cultural landmark and a testament to the enduring strength and adaptability of locally made masonry.

Project Snapshot

  • Project: Art Gallery of Western Australia
  • Year Opened: 1979
  • Lead Architect: Charles Sierakowski – Public Works Department WA
  • Consulting Architects: Summerhayes and Associates
  • Materials Supplied by Midland Brick: Besser Blocks (original and 2011 refurbishment)

Image sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

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