- Address: Perth Cultural Center, James Street, Perth, Northbridge WA 6000, Australia;
- Official page: museum.wa.gov.au;
- Phone: +61 1300 134 081;
- Entrance fee: free of charge;
- Working hours: from 9:30 to 17:00 every day, except public holidays.
The West Australian Museum was created to cultivate public interest in ecology, geology, culture and history of the continent. The collection has approximately 4.7 million items in the field, zoology, geology, anthropology, archeology, history, astronomy. In the main complex in Perth, you can find everything from fossils and diamonds to Aboriginal artifacts and household items of the first European settlers.
History of the museum
In 1891 in the city of Perth appeared the West Australian Museum. Initially, its foundation was geological exhibits. In 1892 biological and ethnological collections appeared. Since 1897, it was officially called the Museum and Art Gallery of Western Australia.
In 1959 the botanical exhibits were transferred to the new Herbarium, and the Museum separated from the Art Gallery. Most of the collections of the new independent institution were devoted to the natural history, archeology and anthropology of Western Australia. In the following decades there were expositions devoted to the wrecked ships and the life of the natives.
Structure of the institution
The museum has 6 branches located in different cities. The main complex is Perth. There are regularly held exhibitions devoted to historical events, fashion, natural history, and cultural heritage. There are also permanent expositions, such as:
- The land and population of Western Australia. This exhibition is devoted to the events of the region from prehistoric times, the appearance of indigenous people to the ecological problems of our time.
- From diamonds to dinosaurs. 12 billion years of history of the region, represented by collections of rocks from the Moon and Mars, pre-sun diamonds and skeletons of dinosaurs.
- Katta Jinung. This exhibition is devoted to the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the region from the past to the present day.
- Oceanarium Dampier. Study of the biological diversity of the waters of the archipelago Dampier.
- Rich collections of mammals, birds and butterflies.
In the Discovery center at the branch, children and adults can interact and learn more about the museum's collections, history and research.
Fremantle
In Fremantle, there are two branches of the West Australian Museum: the Marine Gallery and the Gallery of Wrecks. The first is devoted to everything related to the sea - from bottom dwellers and fishing to trade and defense. Another institution is recognized as the largest museum of the sea depths and the conservation of wrecked ships in the southern hemisphere.
Albany
This branch of the museum is located on the site of the first settlement of Europeans in Western Australia. Here you can explore the biological diversity of the region, the history of the indigenous population of Nyungar and the ancient natural environment.
Heraldton
In this branch of the West Australian Museum visitors can learn about biological diversity, the history of mining and agriculture, the history of the people of Jamaica, and also see sunken Dutch ships.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Expositions in this branch are devoted to the history of Eastern Goldfields, the heritage of mining and the peculiarities of the life of the first miners and pioneers.
The admission to all branches is free. You can get on any day of the week (opening hours from 09:30 to 17:00), except public holidays.
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