It’s one of the questions we get asked the most, but there’s rarely a simple answer. Sometimes, though, an object leaves the gallery to make new history...
Welcome to the
Western Australian Museum
Inspiring curiosity to explore the past, question the present and shape the future.
Explore the scientific and cultural collections of the State in our seven public locations and extensive online collections. Learn more about the WA Museum >
Contact us
Our locations
Find us in Perth and Fremantle
Explore regional Western Australia
Come face to face with one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures in this groundbreaking exhibition.
Saturday 28 June 2025 – Sunday 22 February 2026
Sessions available daily from 9:30am, Museum closes at 5pm
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WA Museum
Review of the Maritime Archaeology Act
The Western Australian Government, through the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum), has proposed changes to the Maritime Archaeology Act 1973 (WA) to reflect changes in national legislation, international and best practice, and to take account of the changing context of maritime archaeology over the last 50 years.
Members pay once to visit all year, and get heaps of additional benefits, including discounted exhibition tickets, pre-sale access and invitations to member-only events.
Store your member card, tickets, exclusive content and offers in the palm of your hand using the WA Museum member app!
National Science Week is back!
Whether you’re a science enthusiast, curious explorer or simply love to learn, there is something for you at one of our WA Museum locations.
Join us from 9 – 17 August for expert talks, unmissable tours, live music and so much more!
Explore Western Australian stories
A trophy in our collection holds a key place in the history of women’s sport in Australia — yet the identity of its winner remains a mystery.
Blog
Travellers from around the world have spoken — WA Museum Boola Bardip, WA Maritime Museum, and WA Shipwrecks Museum are among their top-rated experiences of the past year.
News
Digitisation of museum collections, taxonomy, and evolutionary research is a new and growing field, and museums such as the Western Australian Museum are in the process of enhancing all their physical objects into digital objects.
News
The Western Australian Museum is breathing new life into decades of biological discovery through its Collections and Research Legacy Project, a major initiative designed to digitise, preserve, and share the Museum’s rich repository of specimen data with scientists and the public alike.
News
Discover the collections
Documenting, caring for and researching collections related to cultural anthropology and archaeology — exploring and communicating the complex relationships between society, culture, and language.
Documenting and researching most of the marine, estuarine and freshwater — and, where appropriate, terrestrial — faunal groups of Western Australia, and related regions.
Maintaining, researching and documenting the Museum’s collections of Fossils, Minerals, Rocks, Gems, Meteorites and Tektites — delivering frequent research publications, material loans and identification services.
Facilitating the collection and analysis of molecular data from the Museum’s fauna collections, to expand knowledge of specimens and the diversity of life.
Collecting, caring for, researching and sharing stories related to Western Australia’s social history. Our aim is to share diverse stories which reflect a range of experiences.
Maintaining collections, undertaking research, and developing exhibitions to communicate the ongoing local and global significance of Western Australia’s maritime history and cultural heritage.
Analysing and preserving the State’s collections — ensuring their longevity through the application of preventative techniques, practical treatments and scientific research.
Maintaining large collections of terrestrial animals, including both terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as marine species of the major groups studied (e.g. sea snakes). Taxonomic research is carried out on these collections.
More to explore at the Museum
Purchase a memento of your visit, a stunning piece for your home, or an educational activity perfect for young, curious minds.
Contribute your skills, life experience, diverse background, and interests to a broader purpose.
The WA Museum welcomes visitors of all abilities. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Foundation for the WA Museum mobilises, harnesses, and directs your support for the Western Australian Museum to increase the Museum's cultural, scientific, educational, and social impact.
