Art Gallery of WA set for $10m revamp

The Art Gallery of Western Australia is set to get a new look, with the state government committing $10 million to fund a restoration of the gallery's façade.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day and Finance Minister Simon O'Brien today opened the call for tenders to give the gallery a "much-needed facelift".

"The gallery is one of Western Australia's key cultural institutions and a renewal of the fabric of the building will ensure its long life for future generations to enjoy," Mr Day said.

"The Art Gallery of WA will be open for business throughout the maintenance project with a full schedule of exhibitions, tours, functions and events with the Art Gallery Shop and the Art Gallery Cafe operating as usual.

"The existing gallery facade will be replaced with new matching block-work that will maintain the heritage facade of the building but allow for expansion, provide resistance to water damage and incorporate energy-saving insulation.

"Throughout this project our priority is the safety of the public, gallery visitors, staff and Cultural Centre neighbours and, of course, the State Art Collection."