About this place
What to expect
Uncover a fascinating, hidden layer of Western Australia's criminal justice history at Dirty Deeds, an evocative, site-specific public artwork located in the heart of Perth's Cathedral Square precinct. Fronting Barrack Street at the Perth Town Hall end of the State Buildings, the piece is situated exactly where the city's first Police Court operated back in the 1870s. The clever installation maps out the real-world boundaries of the court's two original holding cells, which commentators in the 19th-century press heavily criticized as "miserable little boxes" due to their severe lack of light and ventilation. Today, the stark physical footprint of these cramped cells is intricately etched directly into the granite paving, including the exact positioning of their entry doors and tiny windows. To bring this grim space to life, the artists meticulously combed through original archival records of the Police Court News to uncover and display the actual names, sentences, and misdeeds of the real historical detainees once held there. Completely free to explore 24/7, this thought-provoking installation directly connects the modern, award-winning Petition Kitchen dining area with its raw colonial past. The entire outdoor plaza is wheelchair accessible and serves as an unmissable, highly educational stop for urban heritage trails, walking tours, and history buffs navigating the central business district.