Curtin 139 St Georges Terrace

Our distinctive presence

Curtin 139 St Georges Terrace is housed in Perth’s oldest educational landmark, the Old Perth Boys’ School, located in the heart of Perth’s CBD.

The building showcases a rich history in heritage, education and architecture which provides a unique setting for your next event.

The distinctive venue is an important addition to Curtin’s growing presence in the city, complementing Curtin 137 St Georges Terrace (located next door), as well as the Curtin Graduate School of Business and the Curtin School of Law, which are both located in Murray Street. Each of these buildings boast flexible, modern facilities in charming heritage architecture.

Venue and event bookings

Curtin 139 St Georges Terrace can be utilised and hired for events, meetings, seminars, workshops, networking events, etc., by Curtin staff, Curtin industry partners, and alumni.

The Curtin St Georges Terrace team will be with you every step of the way to assist you with your booking by providing holistic event advice, guidance, support, and on-the-day coordination.

Once Known

A Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling exhibition presented by the John Curtin Gallery

Curtin 139 St Georges Terrace has become a dual space with the John Curtin Gallery showcasing the Once Known exhibition. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see the extraordinary artworks created by Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.

Once Known, which refers to the artists who have not yet been identified by name, serves as a powerful reminder that the children taken to Carrolup each have a name, a family and a story.

About the building

The Old Perth Boys’ School was built in 1854 and has connections to education dating back to the early days of the Swan River Colony. It was one of the earliest purpose-built government schools constructed in Perth. The building later housed the Perth Technical College, a predecessor institution to the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) and Curtin University.

View the full history in detail

Heritage management by the National Trust

The National Trust of Australia (WA) acquired the Old Perth Boys’ School in 1977 and used it as its headquarters until 1986. It continues to manage the building on behalf of the community and the Government of Western Australia.

Revival as a hub for learning and innovation

In 2016, under a lease agreement with the National Trust of Australia (WA), Curtin transformed the building into a contemporary hub for industry, community and alumni engagement.