Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade, shopping arcade and former theatre in Perth, Western Australia
The Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade is a historic passageway in Perth connecting two main streets and filled with shops, cafes, and walkways for pedestrians. The building features Art Deco design with high ceilings, large windows, original tiled floors, and vintage light fixtures that give it distinctive character.
Built in 1937-1938 in Art Deco style by architects Alfred Baxter Cox and William T. Leighton, it was groundbreaking as Western Australia's first air-conditioned cinema. After opening in 1938 with seating for over 1,000 people, it remained a major venue for films and live performances for more than 75 years until closing in 2013.
The name comes from the famous London location, reflecting Perth's connection to international culture of that era. Locals use the passageway as a meeting point, pausing at small cafes or browsing independent shops that line the walkway.
The passageway is centrally located on Hay Street and easily accessible on foot or by public transport, with parking available nearby for those driving. The best time to explore is during daytime when shops and cafes are open and natural light flows through the large windows.
The building has been described by staff and visitors over the years as potentially haunted, with unexplained sounds and unusual presences attributed to the legend of a former manager. This local story adds an extra layer of mystery and cultural intrigue to the site's long history.
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