Italian grandmothers have a reputation that travels far beyond the kitchen. The seemingly invincible matriarchs are the keepers of recipes, traditions, and wisdom. With boundless love, enduring strength, and uncanny foresight, they are the force that binds families, shapes communities, and preserves memories. Yet their names rarely make it into the history books.
Now, these extraordinary women are celebrated in all their resilient, resourceful glory with From Nonna with Love: Stories of Tradition and Triumph. This moving exhibition, developed by the Western Australian Museum in collaboration with guest curator Nella Fitzgerald, is currently on display at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle.
Through a thoughtfully curated collection of treasured photographs, family heirlooms, and deeply personal anecdotes, the exhibition traces the journeys of the Italian migrant women who arrived in Western Australia between the early 1900s and the 1970s. Crossing oceans, the nonnas left behind familiar landscapes, languages and communities in Italy to build new lives in one of the world’s most isolated cities — a leap of faith that would shape generations to come. Along the way, they preserved and shared their cultural heritage, from food and festivities to family traditions, leaving a lasting impact on WA’s multicultural identity.
At the heart of every Italian home is Nonna’s Table, and here, it’s the centrepiece of the exhibition. Step into a kitchen and discover pockets of aroma—brewed coffee in the percolator, the zest of lemons, and the savoury scent of garlic. An immersive digital installation brings a family meal to life, changing with each course. Audio of laughter, lively conversation, and a welcoming nonna urging you to “mangia” capture the warmth, joy, and generosity of an Italian home, where food is shared with love.
Beyond Nonna’s Table, the exhibition traces each nonna’s journey, highlighting stories of migration, community, work, food, and family. It celebrates how these remarkable women built bonds, carried traditions, and left enduring legacies. Their influence resonates across generations of Italian-Australian families, with descendants like F1 star Daniel Ricciardo featured in a dedicated showcase.
And while From Nonna with Love centres on Italian-Australian experiences, its themes of migration, belonging, courage, and perseverance go beyond heritage alone. They will resonate with many Western Australians. Perched on the historic harbour of the working port, the WA Maritime Museum is a particularly fitting setting. Sitting metres from the very passenger terminal where thousands of diverse migrant families first set foot on Western Australian soil—often with little more than the clothes on their backs.
To make this cultural experience even richer, a range of public events has been created to complement the exhibition. You can try cooking like a nonna and learn treasured family recipes, join Sunday Talks that spark conversation, or sit back and enjoy a live musical performance — there are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy Italian culture. See what’s on offer here.
From Nonna with Love: Stories of Tradition and Triumph is on display at the WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle, until Monday, April 20th, 2026.
Exhibition entry is included with general admission to the WA Maritime Museum ($10.00 for concession or $15.00 for standard), or you can become an annual member for the price of a standard ticket. Children 15 years and under are free, delivering an inspiring experience that’s as heartfelt as it is culturally enriching. Get your tickets here.
