WA Museum Boola Bardip | Perth

WA Museum Boola Bardip is one of the premier cultural institutions in Western Australia. Located in the heart of Perth, the museum offers an in-depth look at the state’s rich cultural heritage, natural history, and scientific achievements. The museum’s name, Boola Bardip, comes from the Noongar language, meaning “many stories,” which reflects its focus on sharing a diverse range of stories from Western Australia’s past, present, and future.

Overview

Location: Perth Cultural Centre, James Street Mall, Perth, Western Australia.

Opened: The new WA Museum Boola Bardip opened its doors in 2020, following a multi-year redevelopment project. It replaced the previous Western Australian Museum building, which had been in operation since 1891.

Purpose: The museum is a space for exploring the state’s natural environment, indigenous culture, and scientific advancements. It aims to engage visitors with interactive exhibits, a rich collection of artifacts, and storytelling that connects both the past and the present.

Architecture and Design

The museum's design is a blend of modern architecture with the cultural significance of Western Australia’s landscape. It was created as a state-of-the-art facility, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. The exterior incorporates elements that represent the local landscape, while the interior is designed to be interactive and immersive. The building itself is a landmark in the Perth Cultural Centre, which is home to several other cultural institutions.

The museum features a multi-story building with several large galleries, a main hall, and a theater for special exhibitions and events. It also has an open-air courtyard, which connects the museum to surrounding spaces like King’s Park and the Perth CBD.

Key Exhibitions and Galleries

WA Museum Boola Bardip offers a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, ranging from indigenous culture and natural history to science and technology.

1. Indigenous Culture and Heritage

One of the standout aspects of the museum is its focus on Noongar culture, as well as the culture and traditions of other Aboriginal groups in Western Australia.

Noongar Culture: The museum delves deep into the traditions, stories, and history of the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land on which Perth stands. Through exhibits, visitors can learn about Noongar language, art, ceremonies, and their connection to the land.

Indigenous Artifacts: The museum houses a significant collection of artifacts, including tools, weapons, and decorative items, that give insight into the life of Aboriginal people before and after European colonization.

2. Natural History

The museum showcases Western Australia’s rich biodiversity, from the desert landscapes of the Outback to the marine life found along the state’s extensive coastline.

Dinosaur Fossils: The museum has an extensive collection of fossils, including those of prehistoric animals that once roamed the region, such as megafauna and dinosaurs.

Marine and Land Fauna: There are exhibits highlighting Western Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including the marine life of the Coral Coast and the wildlife found in the state's vast deserts and forests.

Insects and Birds: Collections of insects, birds, and other species native to Western Australia, including specimens from the Bungle Bungles and Kimberley regions, are prominently featured.

3. Science and Innovation

The WA Museum also emphasizes Western Australia’s contributions to science and innovation, particularly in areas such as mining, space exploration, and marine science.

Mineral Resources: Western Australia is known for its mining industry, and the museum has a dedicated area that explores the importance of the state's minerals, including gold, iron ore, and bauxite.

Space and Technology: The museum highlights the role Western Australia has played in space exploration, particularly through its involvement in radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, one of the world’s most ambitious radio astronomy projects.

4. WA Stories and Cultural Narratives

This gallery showcases the diverse cultural narratives of Western Australia, featuring stories from its Indigenous and settler communities.

Early European Settlement: The museum explores the history of Western Australia from the time of European contact, including the arrival of the British and the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829.

Immigrant Stories: It also delves into the immigrant experience, focusing on the diverse communities that have contributed to shaping Western Australian society, including migrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

5. Temporary and Special Exhibitions

WA Museum Boola Bardip hosts a range of temporary exhibits throughout the year, offering new, rotating content for visitors. These exhibitions focus on various aspects of culture, science, and history from both Western Australia and around the world. Exhibits often include:

International Collaborations: Special exhibits on global scientific and cultural topics, including ancient civilizations, space exploration, and modern art.

Interactive Displays: Temporary exhibits often feature interactive technology or hands-on experiences for visitors to engage with, making them suitable for all ages.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Interactive Displays: The museum is designed to be engaging, with interactive screens, touch-sensitive displays, and immersive environments that encourage learning through participation. This makes it an excellent experience for families and school groups.

Guided Tours: The museum offers guided tours of its permanent and temporary exhibitions, which provide a deeper understanding of the exhibits, the history of the museum, and the cultural stories of Western Australia.

Café and Retail: The museum has a café offering refreshments, as well as a museum shop where visitors can purchase books, indigenous artwork, and other souvenirs related to Western Australia’s culture and history.

Events and Programs: The WA Museum hosts a range of educational and community events, from lectures and workshops to performances and film screenings. Special programs also cater to young children and families.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with facilities for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access, elevators, and braille signage. There are also free entry days for certain groups, such as students and seniors.

How to Get There

By Car: The WA Museum Boola Bardip is located in the Perth Cultural Centre, easily accessible by car with parking available in nearby parking lots or street parking.

By Public Transport: The museum is well-connected by public transport, with Perth train station a short walk away, and several bus routes stopping nearby. The Perth Cultural Centre is easily accessible on foot from Northbridge, making it a convenient stop for visitors.

Conclusion

WA Museum Boola Bardip is an impressive cultural institution that brings Western Australia’s diverse heritage to life. With its wide-ranging exhibits on natural history, Indigenous culture, and scientific advancements, it provides an immersive experience for all visitors. Whether you’re interested in learning about the state’s geological wonders, cultural diversity, or the historical journey of its people, the museum offers a fascinating and educational experience in the heart of Perth.