Natural histories, scientific innovations, and creative art expressions built what Perth is today. The city is culturally rich with the abundant Aboriginal origin and modern exhibitions of art and history, all available in museums and galleries – so, whether you’re new to the city or just looking for a weekend stroll that’s more informative and educational, then a trip to Perth’s Museum and Art Galleries is a must-do.
Here’s a list of some of Perth’s best museums and art galleries:
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Boola Bardip literally translates to “Many Stories,” and paying a visit to this museum means listening and seeing these many stories that Western Australia shares about the people in the country, their places, and their roles in the world.
These said themes are immensely reflected in their permanent exhibitions of collections, research, and perspectives of communities from all across Western Australia. Their special exhibitions also feature paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and state-of-the-art multimedia that show off the Aboriginal founding narrative.
Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)
Art Gallery of Western Australia holds collections and programs showing off Western Australia’s Indigenous art and the art of the world. Located at the south-eastern corner of the Perth Cultural Centre, the gallery provides a complete view of the State Art Collection, with the world’s finest compendium of Indigenous art, the pre-eminent collection of WA art and design, as well as the country’s international arts and design collection.
Apart from adoring the displays of creativity, you’ll also have a chance to take home a piece of art, as the gallery hosts the AGWA shop for arts enthusiasts and collectors. Being close to hotels and accommodation, AGWA is definitely a stop you’re obliged to take while in the city.
Goologatup Heathcote Museum & Art Gallery
Standing in the former and now heritage-listed public space Heathcote Mental Reception Home in Applecross is the Goolugatup Heathcote, a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions and a museum showcasing the site’s eventful history.
With an artists studio, Artist in Residence program, and venues for hire, Goolugatup is a popular destination for both emerging and established artists. The gallery is also home to a world-class restaurant and one of the most popular and award-winning playgrounds in the metropolitan area – making it a perfect location for some family trips and gathering.
WA Maritime Museum
Perching near the Indian Ocean’s shore, WA Maritime Museum explores WA’s maritime history in its unique galleries while also serving amazing coastal views outside. In the museum, leisure boats and handcrafted sailing boats, as well as, commercial pearl luggers are on display to inspire visitors to discover WA’s affinity with the ocean.
The iconic vessels in the state’s maritime history such as the America’s Cup yacht, an Oberon class submarine HMAS Ovens, Australia II, and Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour can also be found in the museum’s long term exhibitions.
Paper Mountain
With a genuine goal of supporting new artists in the city, building exploratory creative practices, and presenting Perth’s artwork, Paper Mountain is a go-to not just for tourists and guests, but for artists themselves who want to improve their creative works.
With studios for hire, a curated gallery program, creative workshops, and events, this art cooperative provides space whether you’re a seasoned artist wanting to showcase your work, or just a beginner wanting to expand your skills. If you’re a busy person looking for a more conducive place to work, Paper Mountain has co-working spaces, and you can check out the gallery and exhibitions while there.
Gallery Central
Just within walking distance to the Art Gallery of Western Australia is Gallery Central, located inside TAFE and operating as an Artist-in-Residence and an available premise to designers, artists, craft and media practitioners, musicians and organizations for events and artistic exhibitions.
Every August, the gallery holds the Meta exhibition, boasting the art, design, and photographs from the talented year 11 and 12 students of WA schools. Gallery Central is a purpose-built facility for The Western Australian School of Art, Design, and Media.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Also in Fremantle and specifically in the 1850s-era Commissariat building, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is known to be the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere. It has hundreds of relics from shipwrecks found along Western Australia’s treacherous coastline.
Some of the must-see shipwrecks in the museum include the original timbers from Batavia, and the de Vlamingh Dish. Countless artifacts from the Dutch shprewcks Zuytdorp, Zeewijk, and Vergulde Draeck are also displayed in the Dutch Wrecks Gallery. For any souvenir items to remember the trip at WA Shipwrecks Museum, the Museum Shop at the Ground Level can easily be seen.
The Nostalgia Box
It’s a Nostalgia Box because all of your nostalgic childhood memories of playing console games will surely rush in. The Nostalgia Box is the country’s first and only video game console museum located right in the heart of Northbridge.
If your happy heart wants a trip down memory lane, or if you have kids to introduce gaming 1970s style, then this is the best to be. Learn the history of your favorite video game brands, and get a chance to play them on some of the classic consoles available.
Museum of Performing Arts | His Majesty’s Theatre
Throughout the years since its inception in 1904, His Majesty’s Theatre has already seen thousands of performers, including Academy Award winners Katharine Hepburn, Geoffrey Rush, Claudette Colbert, and Vivien Leigh, among others.
To honor its truly colorful history, the theatre opened up the Museum of Performing Arts where you can see over 45,000 cataloged memorabilia such as glamorous costumes, photographs, press clippings, scripts, scores, and other historic pieces publicly exhibited at the Museum, and Downstairs at The Maj.
