Western Australian Museum

The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardup is located in the Perth Cultural Centre and is the state museum.  It has a long and fascinating history reflecting and documenting the State’s rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage.  Originally established in 1891 in the old Perth Gaol, it was known as the Geological Museum and its collections were geological, ethnological and biological. In 1897 it became the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery. During 1959 the botanical collection was transferred to the new Herbarium and the Museum and the Art Gallery became separate institutions. The Museum focused its collecting and research interests in the areas of natural sciences, anthropology, archaeology and the State’s history. During the 1960s and 1970s, it also began to work in the emerging areas of historic shipwrecks and Aboriginal site management. 

Opened in November 2020 the New Museum for WA shares the stories of Perth’s incredible people and places, and acts as a gateway to explore all Western Australia.  It is a world class museum at the heart of the State and reflects the spirit of our people. Developed with a ‘people-first approach’ it features Western Australians sharing their stories, in their own voices.  The Museum is more than three times the size of the previous Museum and includes eight new galleries, a 1,000 square metre special exhibitions gallery, multipurpose spaces for programs, learning studios, cafe and food and beverage spaces, and stunning spaces for gathering, meeting and special events.