Perth Museum
  • Public vote winner
    Cultural Building of the Year
Greg Holmes Photography

Mecanoo's transformative design for the Perth Museum revives Scotland's community pride

Mecanoo as Architects

In the ever-evolving landscape of architectural restoration, Mecanoo continues to carve its name with transformative projects that honour history while embracing modernity. Following in the footsteps of our acclaimed renovation of the New York Public Library, Mecanoo undertook the challenging task of revitalizing Perth's former City Hall—a structure that epitomizes the grandeur of the Edwardian Period, dating back to its inauguration in 1914.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography

Perth's former City Hall, with its classical façade and storied past, presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Like skilled artisans, we approached the project with the precision of a surgeon, recognizing the delicate balance between preservation and innovation. Our journey began in 2017, as we ventured through Perth's scenic landscapes, immersing ourselves in the city's rich heritage.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography

Upon setting foot in the dilapidated City Hall, once a vibrant concert venue, we were struck by its faded grandeur and potential for revival. Our exploration extended beyond its walls, delving into the hidden vennels—narrow alleys—that weave through Perth's urban fabric, revealing the city's untold stories.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography

Central to our concept was the introduction of a Vennel—a symbolic passage cutting through the heart of the building, connecting the Main Hall and the Lesser Hall. This architectural intervention, marked by imposing bronze doors crafted in Black Isle, pays homage to Scotland's craftsmanship and history.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography

The transformation of the former Lesser Hall into a dynamic communal space, complete with a café and event venue, stands as a testament to our commitment to functionality and inclusivity, serving not only visitors but also local inhabitants. By lowering the windows to the floor level, we invite natural light and panoramic views of St. Johns Kirk into the once-introverted space, thereby transforming it into a vibrant hub for community engagement.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography

At the heart of the museum lies the Main Hall—a sanctuary for Scotland's historical treasures, including the revered Stone of Destiny. Inspired by this iconic artifact, Mecanoo crafted a bespoke oak box, elevating it to a prominent position within the hall. Surrounding it, a meticulously detailed balcony showcases Scotland's national history, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the past.

photo_credit Greg Holmes Photography
Greg Holmes Photography
  • Public vote winner
    Cultural Building of the Year
Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Fernanda Canales designs tranquil “House for the Elderly” in Sonora, Mexico
12 Dec 2024 News
Fernanda Canales designs tranquil “House for the Elderly” in Sonora, Mexico

Mexican architecture studio Fernanda Canales has designed a semi-open, circular community center for... More

Australia’s first solar-powered façade completed in Melbourne
12 Dec 2024 News
Australia’s first solar-powered façade completed in Melbourne

Located in Melbourne, 550 Spencer is the first building in Australia to generate its own electricity... More

SPPARC completes restoration of former Victorian-era Army & Navy Cooperative Society warehouse
11 Dec 2024 News
SPPARC completes restoration of former Victorian-era Army & Navy Cooperative Society warehouse

In the heart of Westminster, London, the London-based architectural studio SPPARC has restored and r... More

Green patination on Kyoto coffee stand is brought about using soy sauce and chemicals
10 Dec 2024 News
Green patination on Kyoto coffee stand is brought about using soy sauce and chemicals

Ryohei Tanaka of Japanese architectural firm G Architects Studio designed a bijou coffee stand in Ky... More

New building in Montreal by MU Architecture tells a tale of two facades
10 Dec 2024 News
New building in Montreal by MU Architecture tells a tale of two facades

In Montreal, Quebec, Le Petit Laurent is a newly constructed residential and commercial building tha... More

RAMSA completes Georgetown University's McCourt School of Policy, featuring unique installations by Maya Lin
10 Dec 2024 News
RAMSA completes Georgetown University's McCourt School of Policy, featuring unique installations by Maya Lin

Located on Georgetown University's downtown Capital Campus, the McCourt School of Policy by Robert A... More

MVRDV-designed clubhouse in shipping container supports refugees through the power of sport
9 Dec 2024 News
MVRDV-designed clubhouse in shipping container supports refugees through the power of sport

MVRDV has designed a modular and multi-functional sports club in a shipping container for Amsterdam-... More

Archello Awards 2025 expands with 'Unbuilt' awards categories
9 Dec 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2025 expands with 'Unbuilt' project awards categories

Archello is excited to introduce a new set of twelve 'Unbuilt' project awards for the Archello Award... More