Western Australian Museum

About Western Australian Museum

WA Museum Boola Bardip is the state museum of Western Australia, located within the Perth Cultural Centre. Its name, from the Noongar language, means many stories. The museum occupies a purpose-built facility that opened after redevelopment, serving as a separately entered institution distinct from the surrounding public precinct. It presents collections and narratives related to Western Australia's natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific research. The building itself represents contemporary museum architecture integrated with heritage elements. Daily 09:30–17:00. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Open 13:00–17:00 on Anzac Day. Open 09:30–17:00 on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and all other public holidays.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What's inside

The museum contains permanent and temporary galleries across multiple levels. Exhibition themes span Western Australian biodiversity, Aboriginal culture and history, maritime archaeology, and meteorites. The museum holds significant collections including fossils, cultural artefacts, and the State Collection. Interactive displays and immersive environments are incorporated throughout. Dedicated spaces accommodate changing exhibitions. The museum's programming includes educational content and public engagement activities. Specific current exhibitions and collection highlights should be verified through official channels prior to visit. Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Open 13:00–17:00 on Anzac Day. Open 09:30–17:00 on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and all other public holidays.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

How long to spend

Visitor duration varies substantially based on individual engagement patterns. A comprehensive visit encompassing all galleries and temporary exhibitions typically requires several hours. Casual visitors may complete a selective tour in less time. The museum's multi-level layout and varied content density suggest planning for flexibility. Visitors with specific interests in particular collection areas should allocate additional time. Peak periods may extend overall visit duration due to congestion at popular displays. Personal pacing and rest breaks influence total time on site. Standard general admission is AUD 15 and covers the permanent exhibitions. Special exhibitions and events may have separate charges.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Season and crowds

Visitors should consult the official website at visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip for current opening times before planning attendance. Seasonal factors in Perth include warm dry summers and mild wet winters. The museum's indoor environment provides climate-controlled comfort regardless of external conditions. Weekday mornings potentially offer reduced crowding compared to weekends and school holiday periods. Daily 09:30–17:00. All entry points have universal access; the main entrance facing the State Library has ramped access. Six public lifts provide step-free access between levels and to the exhibition galleries. Wheelchairs and walking aids are available free from the information desk; wheelchair users can access the galleries, shop, grounds and café.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Tickets

The museum has historically operated with variable admission structures including free general entry periods and charges for special exhibitions. Visitors should verify current ticketing arrangements through the official website at visit.museum.wa.gov.au/boolabardip prior to attendance. Any paid components, membership options, concession eligibility, and booking requirements require direct confirmation. Standard general admission is AUD 15 and covers the permanent exhibitions. Special exhibitions and events may have separate charges. All entry points have universal access; the main entrance facing the State Library has ramped access. Six public lifts provide step-free access between levels and to the exhibition galleries.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Getting there

WA Museum Boola Bardip is situated within the Perth Cultural Centre, accessible from the Perth central business district. The Cultural Centre precinct connects to Perth railway station and adjacent public transport infrastructure. Walking access is available from surrounding city areas. Wayfinding signage directs to the museum entrance. The museum is in Perth Cultural Centre. Perth Train Station is about 200 metres away via the Cultural Centre. Inbound buses 41, 42, 48, 55, 60, 66, 67, 68 and 950 stop at Beaufort Street Stop 26623; outbound services use Beaufort Street Stops 12132 and 12131. The Blue CAT Museum stop also serves the site. For step-free arrival, an accessible path runs through Perth Cultural Centre; the nearest ACROD parking is in the City of Perth State Library car park, with lift access from the basement and a ramp to the museum entrance.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

What to watch out for

The museum's separate identity within the Perth Cultural Centre requires attention to specific entrance location rather than general precinct access. Visitors should confirm current operational status before travel. Gallery content includes materials that may affect sensitive viewers. Physical accessibility features and limitations should be verified individually. Crowding concentrates at popular exhibits and during peak visitation. Bag restrictions or security screening may apply. All entry points have universal access; the main entrance facing the State Library has ramped access. Wheelchairs and walking aids are available free from the information desk; wheelchair users can access the galleries, shop, grounds and café.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Photography

Photography policies at WA Museum Boola Bardip are not uniformly applied across all spaces. Some galleries and exhibitions permit non-flash photography for personal use. Temporary exhibitions and loaned objects typically carry specific restrictions. Cultural sensitivity considerations affect photography permissions for certain Aboriginal cultural materials. Commercial photography requires prior arrangement. Visitors should observe posted signage and staff guidance in each gallery. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks may be restricted regardless of general permissions. Universal-access toilets are available on every level, with baby-changing facilities in each. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum.

Checked 2026-08-31 · Source

Where it is

• 1 hour

  2 min walk

  Perth Cultural Centre

  • Must see
  • Art and culture venue
• 1 hour

  2 min walk

  Art Gallery of Western Australia

  • Must see
  • Art and culture venue
• 45 min

  2 min walk

  Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts

  • Must see · Heritage site
  • Historic monument

External links

• View on Wikidata