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Glimpse into the Roaring 20s by visiting the best Art Deco buildings in Perth!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the elegance and glamour of Art Deco. This iconic architectural style, born in the roaring ’20s, is so mesmerising with its bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and a penchant for luxury.
Lucky for us, Perth has a collection of stunning Art Deco buildings that have withstood the test of time. These architectural gems stand as testaments to a bygone era of sophistication and innovation.
Let’s explore and discuss the best-preserved ones. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Luna Leederville
Photo credit: littlekhakiboots
Website: https://lunapalace.com.au/cinemas+1+luna-leederville
Address: 155 Oxford St, Leederville
Contact details: +61 8 9444 4056
Operating hours: 10:15 AM – 11:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Luna Leederville is a name that resonates with Perth’s cultural enthusiasts. Opening its doors in March 1927 as the New Oxford Theatre, it has since been a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant film scene, screening countless movies over the decades.
It has that classic Interwar Art Deco architecture as its facade is adorned with ornate stucco decorations. Interestingly, while the front is richly embellished, the building’s sides and rear feature a more functionalist approach, creating a charming contrast.
What truly captivates me about Luna Leederville is its interiors. They exude the elegance of the era, with intricate patterns and vibrant red hues adorning nearly every corner.
Pro tip: Luna Leederville regularly hosts film festivals to keep the younger generations interested in the classics. Find out when their next film festivals will be held on this website.
Regal Theatre
Photo credit: regaltheatre
Website: https://www.regaltheatre.com.au/
Address: 474 Hay St, Subiaco
Contact details: +61 8 9388 2066
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (TUES-FRI)
Fans of live shows like me should definitely check out Regal Theatre. Built in 1937, it originally served as a cinema before it was repurposed into a live theatre in 1977 and has since hosted numerous memorable performances.
The architecture of this theatre is a delightful example of Art Deco design. Its most striking feature is the circular tower, which gives the building a unique and symmetrical appearance.
And its grandeur doesn’t end outside, as its interior is equally impressive. With a seating capacity of 1,074, it includes an orchestra pit and a massive stage that allows for elaborate stage productions, making it a versatile and beloved venue.
Pro tip: After enjoying a show at the Regal Theatre, don’t toss those tickets just yet! Present them at one of the theatre’s partner restaurants, such as Bark Subiaco or Amelie Subiaco, and savour a generous discount on your meal for the night.
For the full list of their partner restaurants, check out this website.
Astor Theatre
Photo credit: peterhook_thelight
Website: https://astortheatreperth.com/
Address: 659 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley
Contact details: +61 8 9370 1777
Operating hours: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM (MON-SUN)
Another majestic live performance theatre with impressive Art Deco features is the Astor Theatre. Built in 1914, it’s one of the best theatres in Perth with a rich history.
It began as the Lyceum Theatre, where vaudeville performances and lantern slide shows are regularly held.
In 1939, it underwent a significant redesign as it embraced a blend of Interwar Art Deco and Federation-style building designs. Today, it boasts a striking circular tower and a facade adorned with simple lines and the iconic Mayan flower motif.
Inside, the theatre is just as awe-inspiring with elegant plaster pendant fittings, original light fixtures, and a grand proscenium arch that adds to its timeless appeal. I always feel like I stepped back in time whenever I visit this place.
Pro tip: Since shows at the Astor Theatre often sell out quickly, it’s a smart move to sign up for their newsletters. These updates not only keep you in the loop about upcoming performances but also provide details on ticket prices, event formats, and any age restrictions.
Lincoln Street Ventilation Stack
Photo credit: shariksharpei
Address: 57A Lincoln St
In my search for the most unique Art Deco structures in Perth, one particular structure that made me laugh is the Lincoln Street Ventilation Stack. It was constructed in 1935 and is known as the second-tallest sewer vent in Australia.
What makes this structure so funny to me is its history. Its original purpose was to vent sewer gases from the city’s sewerage system. However, this was quickly abandoned when it was discovered that it absolutely failed at doing its job.
This incident has led to it being given the nickname “Dumas’s Folly,” after former Chief Engineer Russell Dumas. Despite this, its striking vertical detailing and monument-like presence have made it an enduring landmark that avoided demolition.
Pro tip: After admiring the iconic Lincoln Street Ventilation Stack, drop by the nearby WAPOL Historical Society. This museum offers a fascinating look into the rich history of the Western Australian Police Force and celebrates the dedicated individuals who served to protect the people.
East Perth Power Station
Photo credit: ralliart888
Address: 11 Summers Street, East Perth
It would be a huge mistake for me not to highlight the East Perth Power Station when discussing iconic Art Deco structures. Built between 1913 and 1916, this historic site was Western Australia’s largest power facility until 1951.
The station continued operations until its decommissioning in 1981. Architecturally, it’s a captivating blend of early 20th-century industrial design, featuring utilitarian structures with Art Deco detailing, particularly evident in the turbine rooms.
Although it remains abandoned as of 2024, its significant contributions to the city’s development have spared it from demolition. Thankfully, there’s promising talk of it being repurposed into an entertainment precinct by 2025 (Perth Festival).
Pro tip: During your visit, pay extra attention to any warning signs around this historic site! Certain parts of the East Perth Power Station are unsafe for exploring, as they contain high amounts of asbestos and rusting equipment.
First Church of Christ, Scientist
Photo credit: openhouseperth
Website: https://christianscienceperth.com.au/
Address: 264 St Georges Terrace
Contact details: +61 488 032 410
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (SUN)
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM (WED)
It seems that religious institutions also fell in love with Art Deco architecture during its prime in the 1930s. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, located just a few metres from Parliament House, is a perfect example.
Built in 1939, the church boasts a stunning Art Deco design with strong vertical lines and a stucco finish that mimics Donnybrook stone. The building also incorporates modernist architectural elements, giving it a minimalist yet elegant appeal.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to see its interiors myself. Based on what I gathered from chatting with some churchgoers, the inside features beautiful parquetry floors made from jarrah and she-oak.
Pro tip: If you’re curious about the church, you’re welcome to attend their Sunday services and Wednesday Testimony Meetings. Just remember to be respectful during the sermons to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
St. Columba’s Church
Photo credit: ianwee333
Website: https://www.southperthcatholic.org/
Address: 25 Forrest St, South Perth
Contact details: +61 401 329 479
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM (MON, TUES, and FRI)
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM (WED and THURS)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (SAT)
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (SUN)
Another church I found with Art Deco-style architecture is St. Columba’s Church, located in South Perth. Built in 1937 under the expertise of renowned architect E. Le B. Henderson, it beautifully blends Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style elements.
What truly sets this church apart are its smoothly rendered facades and elegant proportions. Inside, the richly decorated Douglas Fir roof trusses and the striking rose window on the north wall also add to its timeless appeal.
And let’s not forget its impressive bell tower, which is crowned with a cupola to make it even more distinct and noticeable. I have to say, I was in awe when I first laid eyes on this place.
Pro tip: The best time to visit St. Columba’s Church is in the late afternoon. That’s when the sunlight filters through the beautifully crafted stained glass windows, filling its interior with vibrant, breathtaking colours.
Gledden Building
Photo credit: perth.clicks
Address: 731 Hay Street Mall
An Art Deco building I regularly see on my daily commute is the Gledden Building on Hay Street. It was built between 1937 and 1938 and was named after the prominent mining surveyor Robert Gledden.
What makes this building so iconic is its classic skyscraper design that draws inspiration from the ones found in the US. The exterior showcases a rhythmic arrangement of windows, fluted concrete panels, and a two-story tower at the corner.
One of its most remarkable features is the blend of art and architecture. The ground-level arcade is decorated with artwork that reflects Western Australian themes, including Aboriginal motifs and goldfields life.
Pro tip: After your visit to the Gledden Building, you might want to check out the other historic sites near it. Some of my personal recommendations are the Perth Town Hall, a Gothic-style town hall, and The State Buildings, a Federation Gothic-style structure.
Cottesloe Beach Hotel
Photo credit: cottesloebeachhotel
Website: https://cottesloebeachhotel.com.au/
Address: 104 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Contact details: +61 8 9383 1100
I was oblivious to the fact that my favourite hotel, Cottesloe Beach Hotel, is an Art Deco wonder! Interestingly, it was built in 1905 but was heavily remodelled in 1937 to incorporate Art Deco features.
To be more specific, it features a two-story facade adorned with decorative details and a blend of horizontal and vertical elements, including stylised fluted cartouches with classical overtones.
To enhance its beachside charm, much of the roof is tiled, and some sections have been modified with glass blocks. The white paint makes it gleam under the sun, making it an even more striking sight.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit the Cottesloe Beach Hotel on a regular basis, consider joining their Clubhouse Membership Program! Members enjoy a 15% discount on all food and beverages at the hotel, as well as exclusive invitations to member-only events.
Raffles Hotel
Photo credit: rafflesperth
Website: https://rafflesperth.com.au/
Address: 70-72 Canning Beach Rd, Applecross
Contact details: +61 8 9314 9000
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-FRI)
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Raffles Hotel, originally known as the Canning Bridge Hotel, is a historic landmark in Applecross. Opened in 1896, it underwent a major renovation in 1937 to add stunning Art Deco features reminiscent of its namesake in Singapore.
One feature I can highlight is its forward extension, where its horizontal line designs are most prominent. The structure itself also boasts striking curves around its edges, which are classic elements of Art Deco architecture.
Besides the architecture, the lively surroundings of the Raffles Hotel are worth mentioning. A particular example is the riverside beer garden (beer gardens), as it lets my friends and I enjoy some drinks while taking in the stunning views of the Swan River.
Pro tip: Download The Pass app from either the Play Store or the App Store before your visit here! This handy app lets you earn points whenever you dine at Raffles Hotel, which you can later redeem for cool discounts and perks.
