The 10 Best Museums in Perth
Perth might be one of the most isolated cities in the world, but this has not stopped its cultural life from thriving.
The city is home to various museums specialising in different fields from medical history to aviation. Whether you are resident or visiting, various museums will appeal to your interest. Here is the best ten among them.
Motor Museum of Western Australia
This museum is right inside the Whiteman Park. It is an excellent place for any automotive enthusiast or someone who enjoys knowing the local history. In this museum, you will find painted and metal signs, tools, photographs, models, manuals, and newsletters, etc. You will find everything related to motorcycles and cars from as far as the 19th century. This museum is the place for all automotive memorabilia, and the public operates it. It is open on all days of the week.
Aviation Heritage Museum
The Museum was founded by the Royal Australian Air Force Association of Western Australia. This museum is exclusively an aviation museum, and you will find several civilian and military aircraft on display. There are engines and aircraft replicas that go far back as 1928. It is home to thousands of artefacts, guides, and exhibits for aircraft lovers. If you are looking to explore your interest and experience a unique southern hemisphere museum, this is the place to go for you. It is open every day.
Western Australian Medical Museum
This museum started as the first maternity hospital in Perth. Today, it is much more than that. The museum is located in the Harvey House in Subiaco which is listed as a heritage building. Suppose you are looking to get a full idea of the indigenous medical practices, early pharmaceuticals, original X-ray Department, Royal Flying Doctor, and many other displays and artefacts. This museum is the place for you to be. It deals with the medical field, and all exhibitions in this museum explore that heritage.
Western Australian Maritime Museum
There is a maritime museum here too, and it allows visitors to explore the relationship that Western Australia has with the sea. The museum is home to iconic vessels, handcrafted sailing boats, leisure boats, pearl luggers, and other kinds of ships and boats. The museum houses America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II, Parry Endeavour owned NY Jon Sanders, and the HMAS Ovens submarine. The museum is located on the waterfront.
Army Museum of Western Australia
It is within the Fremantle artillery barrack and was created back in 1977. Its purpose is to celebrate the army’s heritage, and it contains archival materials such as photographs, documents, diaries and letters, artworks, etc. that go as far as the colonial period. You will find vehicles and guns used in different military action such as the two world war wars and others.
Western Australian Museum
This museum has been in existence for more than a century, and it offers the public the opportunity to explore the natural history of the state. This museum engages in exhibitions, programs, and research, all of which are opened to the public. The first sight you see on entering this museum is a blue whale skeleton which gives you a good idea of what to expect when you finally start exploring. The museum includes artefacts about indigenous people as well as the European settlers.
Museum of Performing Arts
This museum contains over forty thousand catalogued items that were collected by the Theatre Historian, Ivan King. This museum contributes immensely to the development of the performing arts in the state. It is located in His Majesty’s Theatre, and its collection includes photographs, costumes, scores and scripts, etc. that portray various drama, dance, opera, and comedy performances. The oldest material in this museum dates as far back as 1854.
Fremantle Prison
This mid-19th-century prison was converted to a museum. It is the only building in Western Australia that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site is over six hectares that include cottages, gatehouse, cellblocks, perimeter walls, and tunnels. Every part of the museum explores the history of prisoners who lived within its wall. The museum now offers tours that narrate stories of prisoners and their daring escapes.
SciTech
This museum was opened in 1988. It is an interactive museum focused on science and helping the public understand the effects of science on our lives, in this museum. You will experience interactive demonstrations and exhibits on engineering, science, technology, and mathematics. It also has a dome planetarium which gives you a fantastic experience.
Museum of Perth
This museum was recently established in 2012. It was first a virtual museum on Twitter and later expanded to Facebook as a private non-profit before it was opened physically in 2015. It focuses on the history of Perth in its permanent and rotating exhibitions.