The 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games became one of the biggest sporting events the State had ever hosted, bringing athletes, officials, volunteers and spectators to Perth with new venues specifically constructed to host the competition.
To celebrate Glasgow 2026, WA Museum Boola Bardip, the State Library of Western Australia, the State Records Office Perth, City of Perth and the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport are working together to share Commonwealth Games stories and records in a special pop-up display.
Items displayed include the original gold, silver and bronze medals designed by WA artist and former Director of the Art Gallery WA Frank Norton and Trevor Bickle’s pole vault gold alongside competitors’ and officials’ badges, volunteer uniform items, opening ceremony tickets, souvenir programs and promotional material.
The display also revisits the First Commonwealth Paraplegic Games, which was held shortly before the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. Recognised as an important milestone in the history of para-sport, the event helped raise the profile of paraplegic athletes in Australia.
Recording the Games from many perspectives, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with WA sporting history as a new generation of athletes competes in Glasgow.
Commonwealth Games 2026 is open at WA Museum Boola Bardip until Sunday 30 August and is included with General Admission.
