DNA Tower (King's Park)
The DNA Tower is a structure in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia.
History
The DNA Tower was built in 1966 by the Gradisen family, a Dutch migrant family who had migrated to Australia in 1951.[1] The person responsible for it being built was the park's director at the time, John Beard,[2][3] who was also responsible for setting up the park's botanic gardens.[4] The double-helix design was decided upon for pragmatic reasons, for the convenience it provided for people to climb and descend the staircase.[4]
It is built on the highest point of Kings Park on Mount Eliza,[contradictory][4] and is a white 15-metre-high (49 ft) double helix staircase with 101 steps. It was inspired by a double staircase in the Château de Blois in France.[5] Its design resembles the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule. The paving below the DNA Tower is made with stones sent from 11 towns and 80 shires in Western Australia.[4]
The tower was briefly closed due to corrosion before being refurbished and repainted in 2021.[4][6]
References
Sources
- "DNA Tower". Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority. 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- Budihardjo, Nadia (3 June 2021). "The Gradisens: Family behind Perth's DNA tower celebrate 70th anniversary of arrival". Stirling Times. PerthNow. Archived from the original on 16 August 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- "Major refresh for Perth's Iconic DNA Tower". Dulux. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- Johansen, Mogens (20 November 2021). "DNA Tower in Kings Park reopens after first full refurbishment in 50 years". The West Australian. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- "DNA Tower Climb". Tourism Western Australia. 2025. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- Wynne, Emma (18 July 2021). "Kings Park's much-loved DNA tower to reopen after refresh". ABC News. Retrieved 26 November 2025.
