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a model warship mounted on a base with a backdrop of the ocean in the background
WA Shipwrecks Museum

Naval Sea Power in Miniature 

Location

WA Shipwrecks Museum
Cliff Street, Fremantle / Walyalup

Dates

Tuesday 24 February – Sunday 26 July 2026

Tickets

Free

 

Access Information

View Visual Story for this exhibition here. 

Naval Sea Power in Miniature returns with its most ambitious exhibition yet.​

Discover centuries of maritime history through meticulously crafted model ships that bring maritime history to life. ​

Featuring more than 170 models, the exhibition spans an array of seafaring stories, from an ancient Egyptian barge and the ships of Columbus to key naval vessels.​

Through videos and digital content, uncover the lives of the ships and their crews, from daring voyages and remarkable achievements to moments of tragedy and loss.​

Created over five decades by master modeller Gerry Westenberg, this extraordinary collection invites visitors of all ages to explore the vessels that shaped exploration, trade, cruising, conflict and discovery.​

Whether you’re a family seeking adventure, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world’s maritime past, this exhibition promises a captivating journey across time.​​

About Gerry Westenberg

Gerry Westenberg is a renowned Western Australian ship modeller with over 50 years of experience. Celebrated for his extraordinary attention to detail, he has created hundreds of intricately crafted model ships, preserving a historically significant art form. Through his work, Westenberg brings maritime stories to life, sharing Australia’s naval heritage with audiences of all ages.​


Presented by the Western Australian Museum in partnership with Gerry Westenberg. This exhibition has been made possible by the generous support of the D.G. Myers Fund, and the Foundation for the WA Museum.

Western Australian Museum logo and Foundation for the WA Museum logo
Person sitting behind a display case filled with detailed model ships against a stone wall backdrop.
Gerry Westenberg with models
(c) WA Museum

In-gallery Conversations

Meet the creator of the Naval Sea Power in Miniature exhibition and engage in conversations around the artistry and historical context of these model warships.

Learn more
A row of miniature sailing ship models is displayed in clear cases along a museum exhibition bench.
A family group stands around a display table, viewing multiple ship models arranged in clear cases.
Two visitors look at naval ship models in glass cases, with an exhibition panel titled “Submarines” behind them.
Visitors lean in to examine a large model ocean liner displayed in a glass case within a museum exhibition.
A visitor closely examines a small sailing ship model displayed in a clear case on a museum plinth.
Two visitors stand behind a glass case, viewing a detailed model of a historic ship inside a museum gallery.
Images thanks to Luke Riley Creative

Special exhibition events

a an adult man sits on a stool smiling with nautical themed props in the background
Public Program

In-gallery Conversations: Naval Sea Power in Miniature

Enjoy the opportunity for in-gallery conversations with Gerry Westenberg for this weekend series.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Saturday 7 March 2026
Sunday 8 March 2026
Saturday 14 March 2026
Sunday 15 March 2026
Saturday 21 March 2026
Sunday 22 March 2026
Saturday 28 March 2026
Sunday 29 March 2026
Saturday 4 April 2026
Sunday 5 April 2026

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March 2026 | 9am - 1pm
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026 | 9am - 1pm
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March 2026 | 9am - 1pm
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March 2026 | 9am - 1pm
Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April 2026 | 9am - 1pm

a person sits on a chair with a smile on their face and in front of them is a table with a model ship
Public Program

Naval Sea Power: Model making talk and workshop

Explore the technical delight of model boats with expert builders.

WA Shipwrecks Museum
Sunday 19 April 2026
A person with a beard stands smiling in front of model warships display
Public Program

Naval Sea Power: Remembering the lost on Anzac Day

Join master modelmaker Gerry Westenberg for a special Anzac Day talk presentation.
WA Shipwrecks Museum
Saturday 25 April 2026

Saturday 25 April | 2pm - 3pm

Please note that WA Shipwrecks Museum is open on Anzac Day from 1pm - 5pm.

a model ship with others in the background
Public Program

Naval Sea Power in Miniature: Book launch event

Join model maker and author Gerry Westenberg for a special book launch event surrounded by the amazing display of models that he has built.

WA Shipwrecks Museum
Thursday 30 April 2026

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      • WA Museum Boola Bardip
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