Northbridge
and Cultural Centre Heritage Precinct
Perth Boys School
Old Perth Gaol
Western Australian Museum
Brass Monkey Hotel
This precinct combines the colour and variety of many cultures and
ethnic traditions. During the early 20th century it became a focal
point of the business and social lives of Chinese, Greek and Italian
immigrants. Today the traditions of these groups, along with many
others, make Northbridge a truly multicultural destination. Famous
for its atmosphere, eateries, artistic experiences and night life
- it is a very cosmopolitan place. One popular meeting place is the
Brass Monkey Hotel located in a renovated heritage building. Also
in the heart of Northbridge, is Russell Square which offers visitors
elements of surprise and discovery through its fine examples of public
art. This precinct also includes the Cultural Centre featuring the
WA Museum, Art Gallery and many significant heritage sites such as
the former Perth Boys' School and Perth Gaol.
 | | Perth Boys School |
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Perth Boys'
School
The contract to construct the Perth Boys' and Girls' Schools building
in James Street was awarded to William Atkins. On 18 January 1897
the new Perth Boys' and Girl's Schools building which was completed
a few months earlier, was officially opened by the minister for Education,
E.H Wittenoom.
The West Australian Newspaper reported, " He [Wittenoom] thought it
was a matter for congratulation that there was such a large and influential
gathering present that day. It showed that the public took a thorough
interest in education and the doings of the Education Department.
In the present building the government had not spared money, as it
was thoroughly determined to give every possible facility to the children
of Perth to be well taught".
Location: 53 James Street, Perth
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 | | Old Perth Gaol |
|
Old Perth Gaol
Perth Gaol was designed by RR Jewell, Chief of Works for the colonial
establishment (June 1853-1884). An ambitious proposal with a cruciform
plan, two floor levels and a part basement was submitted to Governor
Fitzgerald (1848-1855) in December 1853. The scope of the project
was reduced to a cell range, chapel, gaolers quarters and yards. The
construction of the Perth Goal was by sub-contract labour, but the
stone used for the walls was proved by imperial convicts. Construction
was very slow and took from 1854 - 1856 to complete during which time
many minor changes were made to the plans and accommodation.
Location : 5 Francis Street, Perth
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 | | Western Australian Museum |
|
Western Australian
Museum
This is Western Australia's largest and most comprehensive museum.
Visitors can view the State's unique animals, birds and marine life
in the larger galleries, enjoy the intimacy of the colourful butterfly
gallery or look back into the ancient past in the Aboriginal gallery.
A dinosaur gallery completes the experience. The complex is home to
some of Perth's oldest buildings including the original Old Gaol and
an early settler's cottage. A museum shop and coffee shop are on site.
Admission is free.
Francis Street, Perth
Phone 9328 4411
www.museum.wa.gov.au
Open Mon-Fri 10.30-5.00pm, Sat 1.00pm-5.00pm, Sun & Public Holidays
10.30 - 5.00pm
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 | | Brass Monkey Hotel |
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Brass Monkey
Hotel
The original hotel was built in 1897 indirectly because of growth
within Perth from the discovery of gold in WA. Nearly one hundred
years later (1989) it has had 1.5 million spent on renovations.
At this period a large number of hotels or 'pubs' were built in Perth
and on the outskirts of the city and in country towns. They provided
accommodation and refreshment to travellers and the large number of
immigrants arriving in the state, including the large proportion of
working men from Victoria. Typically the hotel was constructed on
a corner with entrance to the public bar addressing the corner and
the entrance for residents on one of the streets. There was often
a tower or other feature on the corner and a verandah with elaborate
cast iron decoration along the street facades. (Extracted from M.
Pitt Morrison and J. White in C.T. Stannage, A New History of Western
Australia; U.W.A. 1981)
Location: 209 William Street, Northbridge
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