Redevelopment work does not deter WA Museum patrons

March 22, 1998

The redevelopment of the Cultural Centre in Perth has begun, but work in the area has not deterred thousands of people visiting a number of displays.

Arts Minister Peter Foss said the first stage of the redevelopment of the Cultural Centre was the relocation of the entry to the Alexander Library Building Carpark from James Street to Francis Street.

"Despite the disruption and changes, thousands of people have been attracted to the Cultural Centre to visit the exhibition at the Western Australian Museum - Life and Death under the Pharaohs," Mr Foss said.

"The exhibition of Egyptian art and artefacts from the Leiden Museum of Antiquities in the Netherlands has attracted over 30,000 visitors in the past four weeks.

"It is anticipated that around 70,000 Western Australians will see the exhibition before it closes on April 27."

The WA Museum is managing the Australian tour of the exhibition.

The Minister said the Cultural Centre was also the host to two whales, one at the WA Museum, the other at the Art Gallery of WA.

"Tang Da Wu's installation Sorry Whale, I didn't know you were in my camera... has attracted thousands of children from kindergarten to secondary school students, as well as adults, who have been asked to participate in this fun project," Mr Foss said.

Visitors have been adding a large number of film canisters, photographs and notes in different languages to the body of the whale over the last few weeks.

The artist views Sorry Whale.. as a shrine to which people are invited to say a little prayer and to make offerings that tell the story of somebody's body and sound being hurt and asks that people consider the various forms of abuse that are perpetuated in pursuit of development and continuous modernisation.

"The other whale is in the WA Museum," Mr Foss said.

"It is in fact a blue whale skeleton and fascinates people who are often surprised and amazed at the actual size of these magnificent creatures.

"So these exhibitions, not to mention the art on display at the gallery and of course the Alexander Library, are attracting thousands to this wonderful Cultural Centre.

"Added to this the craft stalls, the musicians and the atmosphere of the centre, there is little doubt that it will continue to grow as a major attraction of the City of Perth.

"However, as people visit the area, you cannot help but see the building activity taking place at the former State Library Building, Hackett Hall.

"This building is being restored to provide a new entrance to the WA Museum from the cultural precinct.

"It was here, during the restoration work funded by the State Government, that an amazing discovery was made.

"Hidden beneath a false ceiling was a most ornate and beautiful ceiling.

"It is a significant discovery and is now being restored for the enjoyment of the people of WA. When completed it will be yet another drawcard to the Cultural Centre," Mr Foss said.

"The new entrance into the museum and Hacket Hall should be completed later this year and forms the first stage of the redevelopment of the Museum and development of the Cultural Centre."

Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222