Western Australia's museums the most popular in the nation

7/1/02
More than 750,000 people have visited Western Australia's museums over 2000-2001 making the State's museums the most visited per capita in the nation.
The WA Museum, the Maritime Museum in Fremantle, and regional museums in Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie have enjoyed high attendances over the last year.
Acting Premier Eric Ripper, who launched the program of school holiday activities today, attributed part of the museum's success to museum staff, who have worked to develop diverse and exciting programs and exhibitions for the community.
"I congratulate the State's museums for their enthusiasm and dedication in developing educational programs for people of all ages to experience and enjoy," Mr Ripper said.
"It is great to see the community, including our children, visit our museums and see them as places to learn and have fun."
Mr Ripper said the popularity of WA's museums would be greatly enhanced with the opening (due late 2002) of the new Maritime Museum in Fremantle, which is currently under construction.
"The Maritime Museum will be a spectacular landmark and tourist attraction for the State," he said.
More details of what's on and where are attached.
Office of the Minister for Culture and the Arts: 9213 6900
MUSEUM SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM INFORMATION
WA Museum - Perth
The Colossal Fossil Fun program allows children to make a fossil, discover tracks through dinosaur galleries, explore the Jurassic garden and excavate ancient artefacts. The program costs $3 and runs from Monday, January 7 to Friday, January 25 (weekdays only). Phone 9427 2792 for more information.
Dinosaurs of Darkness features replicas and skeletons of dinosaurs and other animals that lived in the earth's polar regions from 100 to 65 million years ago. The exhibition, supported by Qantas, runs until January 31. Children who donate a toy dinosaur to the Salvation Army's Dino Drive on entry to the display will receive half price tickets. Tickets are $2 child, $5 adult and $10 family.
Maritime Museum, Fremantle
The rats are back at the Maritime Museum in Fremantle! Children follow clue sheets to find the rats hiding among the shipwrecks and treasures. Riddled with Rats is one of the most successful and most requested holiday activities and it's free for all the family. Started Tuesday, January 1 and runs till Sunday, February 3. The Maritime Museum is located in Cliff Street, Fremantle and is open from 9.30am to 5pm, seven days a week. For more information call 9431 8469.
Kalgoorlie
In Kalgoorlie the mood turns spooky with a Harry Potter inspired journey into mystery. The Great Rettop Yrrah Puzzle will test children's skills, memory and courage to solve the many mysteries of the Wamkapowie School of Wizardry. Children will win prizes by solving puzzles, earning points for their allotted school house. The cost is $2.50 per child and the program runs from Monday, January 21 to Friday, February 1. Phone 9021 8533 for more information.
Albany
In Albany the atmosphere is very different with pirates and high seas high jinks the order of the day. Pirate Pranks will take kids on an adventure trail, treasure hunt and pirate recruitment challenge. Phone 9841 4844 for more information.
Geraldton
In Geraldton the focus is on art and craft with lots of colour, paint and paper. The program runs from January 21 to February 1 (weekdays only) and costs $2.50. Contact the Education Officer on 9921 5080 for more information.

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