Perth families, get ready for a cosmic adventure right in the heart of the city! A spectacular new visitor has landed at Stirling Gardens, and it’s set to become the talk of the town for kids and grown-ups alike. Internationally renowned artist Brendan Murphy has brought his iconic 7-meter-tall BOONJI Spaceman sculpture, “Lightning,” to Perth—making our city the latest stop in a global art phenomenon.
A Giant Spaceman in the City
Standing proudly just 20 meters from Point Zero, “Lightning” is impossible to miss. This towering spaceman isn’t just a statue—it’s a symbol of imagination, curiosity, and the boundless potential of creativity. For the next 12 months, families can visit Stirling Gardens to marvel at this larger-than-life artwork, snap a selfie, and let little ones’ imaginations blast off.
Why Families Will Love It
The BOONJI Spaceman is more than just a cool photo opportunity. Each sculpture in Brendan Murphy’s series is uniquely designed for its city, and “Lightning” was crafted with Perth’s vibrant energy and “City of Light” heritage in mind. The space theme is a nod to Perth’s special place in history—remember when astronaut John Glenn called us the “City of Light” after seeing our city shine from space in 1962?
Kids will love the futuristic look and the sense of wonder the sculpture inspires, while parents can appreciate the world-class art and the story behind it. The best part? It’s free and open to everyone, making it a perfect family outing in the city.
Explore More at Gullotti Galleries
If your family is curious to see more of Brendan Murphy’s work, you’re in luck! To celebrate the arrival of the BOONJI Spaceman, Murphy is also launching his first-ever solo exhibition in Australia, “Life is Electric,” at Gullotti Galleries in Cottesloe. Opening to the public from 23 May 2025 for eight weeks, the exhibition features over 40 artworks—including more sculptures and vibrant paintings. It’s a rare chance to see the artist’s creative world up close and maybe even spark a love of art in your little ones.
A Global Art Adventure
Perth joins a list of world cities—including New York, London, Washington D.C., Riyadh, Mallorca, and Oslo—where BOONJI Spacemen have become must-see attractions. The Perth installation is expected to become a new city icon, drawing locals and visitors alike to Stirling Gardens for a dose of inspiration and fun.
About the Artist
Brendan Murphy is a celebrated contemporary artist whose work is collected by stars like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Steph Curry. His art blurs the lines between science, abstraction, and storytelling, always aiming to spark positive energy—what he calls “BOONJI”—in everyone who encounters it.
Plan Your Visit
- Where: Stirling Gardens, Perth CBD (near Point Zero)
- When: Now through May 2026 (for 12 months)
- Cost: Free!
- Exhibition: “Life is Electric” at Gullotti Galleries, 28 Napoleon Street, Cottesloe (23 May – 8 weeks)
So pack a picnic, grab your camera, and head into the city to meet Perth’s newest spaceman. It’s a family adventure that’s truly out of this world!
For more info, visit brendanmurphyart.com or check out Gullotti Galleries.
- About the Author
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
