Everyone loves a good museum or art gallery day – even if you’ve already been to that same place multiple times. Though, with ever-changing exhibitions, there’s always something new and fun to explore!
Museums and galleries are one of the best ways to learn about the culture’s past, present, and future whilst making a fun day out of it. From wildlife to retro games, there’s a museum or gallery for every interest.
Here are 7 of the best museums and art galleries in Perth.
1. WA Boola Bardip Museum
Of course, we had to start off strong with the most famous of all… Boola Bardip.
This museum recently underwent a big four-year renovation, making it more beautiful than ever and inclusive of all the best exhibitions. Boola Bardip means many stories in the Noongar language, and we think it’s fair to say that the museum is exactly that. A place where people can come together to share and read different West Australian stories.
- Price: $15 for standard admission, $10 concession and free for children 15 years and under as well as carers.
- Location: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth
- Website: visit.museum.wa.gov.au
2. The Fremantle Prison
In the 1850’s convicts from England built ‘The Convict Establishment’, or what we now know as the Fremantle Prison.
Remarkably the Fremantle Prison is the only UNESCO world heritage site here in Perth, but it’s not hard to see why. As the prison was in use from 1855 to 1991 it has a lot of stories to tell and now makes for one of the best places to take a slightly spooky tour (especially at night).
From serial killers to bush rangers, drug dealers and bank robbers, the walls of the Fremantle Prison have seen it all. If you’re up for a night of jump scares we’d recommend booking their True Crime tour which will leave your hairs standing on end.
- Price: Tours from $22
- Location: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle
- Website: fremantleprison.com.au
3. The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Located in the centre of Perth’s cultural hub, this internationally appraised art gallery has an impressive collection of artworks by First Nations and Western Australian artists alongside works from around Australia and the world.
The exhibitions and access to the gallery are entirely free and make for a fun and cost-effective way to view some of the world’s best art.
The building even boasts a huge rooftop terrace complete with a rooftop bar, open-air sculpture walk, and of course views of Perth’s incredible city skyline.
- Price: Free
- Location: Perth Cultural Centre, Perth
- Website: artgallery.wa.gov.au
4. Western Australian Maritime Museum
Located quite literally on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the West Australian Maritime Museum is an ode to Fremantle’s past, present, and future as one of the most important coastal ports.
From the infamous winning America’s Cup yacht to Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour, this museum truly captures the state’s extensive maritime history.
The museum is currently running an exhibition until February 2023 called ‘Fremantle then and Now’ highlighting how the city has changed since the 1800’s so don’t miss out on a chance to celebrate and learn how Fremantle’s legacy has developed over the past 155 years.
- Price: $15 pp
- Location: Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
- Website: visit.museum.wa.gov.au
5. Museum of Perth
The Museum of Perth is exactly how it sounds – a museum dedicated to the history, culture, and development of Perth. Located fittingly within the old Atlas building which is its own historical gem in the heart of the city.
They have an upcoming exhibition showcasing ‘John Gill: Perth’s Piano Man’. Opening on December 1st, the exhibition is a celebration of the infamous street buskers’ life who, over the years, attracted tens of thousands of fans.
- Price: Free
- Location: 8-10 The Esplanade, Perth
- Website: museumofperth.com.au
6. Nostalgia Box Museum
This one is for all the die-hard retro gamers out there.
The Nostalgia Box Museum is located in the heart of Northbridge and showcases over a hundred years’ worth of different video games and consoles.
Your admission tickets include the chance to replay all your favourite childhood games or take the opportunity to experience games you have always wanted but never had the chance.
- Price: $18.70
- Location: 1/16 Aberdeen St, Perth
- Website: thenostalgiabox.com.au
7. PICA Art Gallery
Challenging the norm and thinking outside of the box is the basis of this funky and change-maker-minded art gallery!
PICA is known for providing experimental exhibitions showcasing contemporary dance, experimental theatre, new music, and live art as well as a range of artist-in-residence programs.
They currently have a range of different art exhibitions and performances running – some of which are free and others charge a small fee.
- Price: Free
- Location: 51 James St, Perth
- Website: pica.org.au
Feature Image: @pica_perth
Looking for more things to do in Perth? Visit SoPerth.com.au
