Exclusive Princely Treasures premiere in Perth

• More than 90 objects and works of art from London's V&A Museum
• Second exhibition in the Great Collection of the World Series
• Forms part of the Commonwealth Festival Perth program of events

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day today hosted an exclusive preview of the Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600-1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum, which opens at the Art Gallery of Western Australia tomorrow.

Mr Day unveiled the completed Princely Treasures exhibition galleries, specially created to house the significant international collection on its exclusive visit to Perth, ahead of the show's official opening tonight by Premier Colin Barnett.

"The second show in the Great Collections of the World Series, Princely Treasures is an exhibition with very wide public appeal and I commend the Art Gallery of WA for its ongoing success in bringing such significant international events to Perth," he said.

"Exhibitions such as Princely Treasures, last year's Peggy Guggenheim show and the upcoming significant collection from New York's Museum of Modern Art add to the rich cultural fabric of our city."

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said Princely Treasures would provide real benefits to wider WA, particularly its tourism industry.

"There is an important link between cultural events like Princely Treasures and our State's tourism sector and Eventscorp has partnered with the Art Gallery to bring these blockbuster international art shows exclusively to Perth," Dr Hames said.

"The Victoria and Albert Museum is world-famous and to have its collection of European artefacts here in WA is a significant drawcard for people all across Australia as well as for our many overseas visitors."

       Fact File

• The exhibition is open from September 24 to January 9 and forms part of the Commonwealth Festival Perth which will be held alongside CHOGM 2011
• Admission is $20 for adults, $16 concessions. Other tickets available
• For more information: http://www.princelytreasures.artgallery.wa.gov.au/
• The People's Space at the Perth Cultural Centre will be open from October 26-29

Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 9213 6600

Tourism Minister's office - 92228788