The Western Australian Museum (WAM) was established to cultivate public interest in the state’s environmental, geological and cultural history. WAM counts over 4.6 million items in its main complex in Perth, which contains everything from fossils and diamonds, to marine specimens, Aboriginal artifacts and household items from the first European settlers.
Explore the anthropology and archaeology collections to see items from cultures all around the globe. Admire clay pots from Native American tribes, jars and decorated pottery from ancient European civilizations, masks from Africa and jewelry from Papua New Guinea. You’ll also find a huge range of prehistoric stone tools and recent artworks from local Aboriginal tribes.
Learn how the traditional land owners interacted with European settlers and the impact of colonization. Admire old dresses, war medals, uniforms and inventions in the social history galleries.
Be sure to check out the exhibits of the earth and planetary sciences collection. You’ll find fossils of giant teeth and statues of prehistoric animals.
Thanks to Western Australia’s rich mining history, WAM has some dazzling rock and mineral specimens. Examine geological formations of banded iron and see the fine gold nuggets, pink diamonds and precious gems that prospectors have retrieved from the earth. Many meteorites have survived their passage through the earth’s atmosphere and hit the ground in the vast state. A collection of these rocks from outer space is one of the highlights in the museum.
Move on to the aquatic and terrestrial zoology collections to look at unusual fish, hairy spiders, crabs and starfish found across the state. The museum also hosts regular special exhibitions on topics as diverse as Antarctica, fashion and postcard art. Check the website for a schedule of what’s on show during your visit.
You’ll find the main building of the Western Australian Museum in the centrally located Perth Cultural Centre. Admission is free. The museum is open daily, except major public holidays.
Other branches of WAM include the Maritime Museum and Shipwrecks gallery in nearby Fremantle. Three of its galleries are located further afield, in the state’s other main cities. Some of those charge for admission.
