Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip

Overview

The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip ('many stories' in Noongar language) reopened in 2020 after a $400 million redevelopment. Located in the Perth Cultural Centre, it weaves together the natural sciences, Aboriginal culture, and Western Australia's social history across eight interconnected galleries.

Highlights

• Connections Gallery: Explores biodiversity, geology, and the night sky above WA with immersive digital installations.
• Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn (Our Heart, Country, Spirit): A deeply respectful gallery co-created with Aboriginal communities.
• Wild Life Gallery: Life-sized models including a blue whale skeleton and the megafauna that once roamed the continent.

History

The original museum was established in 1891 on the same site. The 2020 redevelopment retained the heritage-listed buildings while adding a striking new modernist entrance and central atrium designed by Hassell + OMA.

Visitor Tips

• Admission: Free general entry.
• Allow time: Easily 2 hours to cover all eight galleries.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.