Origins

People have long gazed at the stars above to ponder how the Universe came to be.

Come on an immersive journey through time, space and place, exploring Western Australian sites and stories to examine the origin of the Solar System, the earliest known life on Earth, and the formation of ancient landscapes.

With multiple ways of seeing, and understanding, Origins examines the significant landforms and natural features of Western Australia through the lenses of Aboriginal knowledge systems and Western scientific thinking.

Our ancient landforms hold special meanings for Aboriginal people with many of these stories weaved through Origins.

Explore the hidden meanings behind some of our most iconic natural wonders, like Gawarre — the Bungle Bungle Range. An impressive sculpture reveals secrets to its distinctive ‘beehive’ forms, while a colourful touchscreen panel immerses you in Gija stories of creation and connection.

South West caves preserve unique evidence of environmental changes and artefacts revealing the Wadandi Noongar people’s 50,000-year-old history with the area.

Touch a meteorite from the Museum’s internationally significant collection and learn about new technologies used by the Desert Fireball Network to track and record meteorite landings.

Be dazzled by a stunning kaleidoscope arch of illuminated panels containing petrographic microscope images from thin sections of different minerals.

A glittering wall of suspended minerals further showcases Western Australia’s rich deposits that also act as markers in time and the Earth’s history.

From the skies above to the diverse gems and minerals found beneath the Earth’s surface, the natural wonders of Western Australia continue to be a fascination for many and make Origins one of our most popular galleries.