Two people observe a large whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling in a museum, highlighted in purple light.
WA Museum Boola Bardip
Stan Perron Gallery

WA Treasures

Highlights from the State’s collections

How did an American bison, musical instruments made from turtle shell, and a Cromwellian helmet from the Tower of London end up on display in Perth?

They were acquired to share the world and its cultures with the people of Western Australia, stimulate creativity among early museum and art gallery goers, and inspire local artisans and artists.

Fuel your imagination as you discover the stories behind these objects and other curios collectables from a time when the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Western Australian Museum were one entity, co-located with the State Library of Western Australia.

They are showcased within the grandeur of heritage-listed Hackett Hall — originally part of the library — alongside Aboriginal collections that are a defining part of the State’s ancient and enduring creativity.

WA Treasures also offers an unparalleled view of the Museum’s beloved 24m blue whale skeleton, suspended in a dynamic lunging position from the ceiling.

Washed ashore in 1897 near the mouth of the Vasse River, the whale’s skeleton was named after Otto Lipfert, the Museum’s taxidermist who had the incredible foresight to collect and preserve the skeleton for future generations.

Visiting “Otto” the whale at the WA Museum remains a powerful memory for many Western Australians.

It beautifully illustrates the legacy and value of collecting items of all sizes and origins.

Two people facing a sign in a gallery that says "Stan Perron WA TREASURES Gallery."
Two people observe a taxidermied bison in a glass display case in a museum.
Two individuals smiling and standing on a balcony with architectural details and out-of-focus skeletal structures in the foreground.
Two people interact with a touchscreen in a museum, with a large whale skeleton hanging above them.
Two people interacting with an electronic display in a museum, wearing headphones.

 

Location

Mezzanine level map

 

Founding Partner 

Stan Perron Charitable Foundation

 

Black and white image of a gothic-style building with arched windows and stone details.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
A grand, historic library interior with tall bookshelves, a second-floor balcony, and large wooden tables.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Historic library interior with bookshelves, balcony, and tables.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
A black and white image of a large Gothic-style brick building with arched windows and decorative stonework.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Black and white image of an aerial view of an urban area with modern and historic buildings.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Interior of a large library with two levels of bookshelves, wooden tables, and natural lighting.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Interior of a multi-level library with bookshelves and reading areas.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Library interior with rows of tables, bookshelves, and scaffolding.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Interior of a two-story library with bookshelves, tables, and people reading.
Image courtesy of State Library of WA
Interior of a two-level library with bookshelves, white tables, and people reading.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
A large, multi-level library interior with many tables and bookshelves.
Image courtesy State Library of WA
Interior of an ornate, two-level library hall with bookshelves, decorative railings, and hanging lights.
Copyright 2012 of Philip David Hart
Interior of an ornate, two-level library hall with bookshelves, decorative railings, and hanging lights.
Copyright 2012 of Philip David Hart
Museum exhibit with life-sized dinosaur models, children observing.
Image courtesy WA Museum
Elegant dining setup with white tablecloths, red flower centerpieces, and transparent chairs in a large room with black drapes.
Image courtesy WA Museum
3 musicians seated in an ornate multi-level gallery space
Image courtesy WA Museum
Gallery space set up for an event, bathed in red mood lighting
Image courtesy WA Museum
View of a gallery space from a second floor balcony
P. Baker, WA Museum
An ornate multi-level gallery space complete with balustrades, archways and columns
Image copyright P. Baker, WA Museum
View of a unique ceiling space with ornate archways and decorations
Image copyright P. Baker, WA Museum