Spectacular new WA Museum building completed

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WA Museum reaches practical completion.
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Western Australian Museum night view

Western Australia’s exciting new museum has reached practical completion on time and on budget. It is on track to open in November 2020.

At an unveiling to celebrate the milestone, the Government announced free general admission to all visitors for the first 18 months of operation.

Designed by Hassell + OMA architects and built by Multiplex Constructions, the $400 million project was managed by the Department of Finance for the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the WA Museum.

“The project has been managed with a focus on customer needs, in this case, providing excellent services and experiences for all museum visitors. The result is a landmark museum for our State, delivered on time and within budget”, Finance Minister Ben Wyatt said.

"I am proud to see that Aboriginal stories and perspectives will be woven throughout the museum. I look forward to seeing the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal Western Australians showcased in our new world-class museum."

The project team aimed to create a bold and dynamic building with exceptional spaces for new exhibitions and visitor experiences. The stunning new contemporary building with its upper level galleries integrates with heritage-listed buildings on the site.

Three times larger than the previous museum, the new museum will feature eight major galleries. It includes a 1,000sqm special exhibition gallery; café, food and beverage options; retail and function spaces; and learning studios for people of all ages.

"The new museum is a magnificent project that showcases Western Australia and its place in the world,” Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said.

"The design team has created a dramatic building that both complements and contrasts with the beautiful heritage architecture on the site. The result is nothing short of spectacular.”

The project included the new building, and refurbishment of existing heritage-listed buildings such as Hackett Hall, Jubilee Wing, Old Gaol and the Beaufort Street Wing. It also included the upgrade of the Welshpool Collections and Research Centre completed in 2016.

For more information see the Western Australian Museum website.

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