A major new cultural attraction is set to elevate the Perth Hills with the announcement of Perth Sky Sculpture Park — a community-driven initiative transforming the historic Perth Observatory in the Bickley Valley into a world-class destination for contemporary sculpture and nature-based tourism.
The Perth Sky Sculpture Park will permanently showcase fine art sculptures and installations throughout the Observatory’s heritage-listed International Style buildings, domes, and surrounding bushland trails.
Set to open officially in Spring 2026, the project will debut with a major Biennial Awards Exhibition, positioning Perth Sky as a national platform for contemporary sculpture and cultural tourism.
“This Sculpture Park and its biennial exhibition will be unlike anything else in Australia — a dialogue between contemporary art, nature, and astronomy,” said Johannes Pannekoek, Chair and Head Curator of Perth Sky Sculpture Park.
“It will offer long-term opportunities to artists. Works exhibited in the Biennial Awards will remain on display for two years, creating a living, evolving landscape of contemporary sculpture beneath the spectacular skies of Western Australia.”
Developed by a dedicated collective of City of Kalamunda artists, arts leaders, and tourism professionals within the Perth Observatory Volunteer Group, and supported by the City of Kalamunda, the initiative aims to establish a significant new cultural landmark celebrating creativity, heritage, and community engagement.
“We’re excited to help transform this much-loved heritage site into a year-round cultural destination that sparks curiosity, celebrates local creativity, and draws visitors to our beautiful region,” said City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas.
“Perth Sky Sculpture Park invites people to imagine art among the stars and the trees — and promises lasting benefits for our community, our artists, and our local economy.”
Sandra Tinari, Creative Director of Perth Sky Sculpture Park, said the project responds to a long-standing desire to bring contemporary art experiences closer to outer metropolitan communities.
“As Perth Hills residents, it’s been important for us to make contemporary art more accessible — right here in our own backyard,” Ms Tinari said.
“Perth Sky Sculpture Park will bring wonder and inspiration to local families, while inviting WA, national, and international visitors to join us in celebrating creativity under open skies.”
To mark the announcement, a preview exhibition is now on display at the Perth Observatory, featuring works by Western Australian artists Sam Hopkins, Johannes Pannekoek, Denise Pepper, and Steve Tepper, alongside international artist Anton Forde.
The project will be officially launched on 15 November 2025, marking the start of a global call for artist submissions. This international outreach invites sculptors from around the world to participate in the inaugural Biennial Awards Exhibition, which will open in Spring 2026 and feature Australia’s largest prize pool for contemporary sculpture.
Follow the journey and support the creation of this exciting new arts destination via Facebook and Instagram: @perthskysculpture and the website www.perthskysculpture.com.au
Perth Sky Sculpture Team Johannes Pannekoek, Chair of Perth Observatory Dr Shayne Silcox and Sandra Tinari in front of sculpture by Anton Forde, ‘Matariki’
Images: Sculptures by Steve Tepper ‘…And More’ and Johannes Pannekoek, ‘Elegy in Motion’
