Work commences on Western Australia's new museum

Major construction is underway on Western Australia's new museum, with the $428 million project aiming to create a world-class attraction for tourists and locals.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman visited the new museum site on Monday to announce the signing of the Stage Two agreement between the State and the managing contractor, Multiplex, which will see the completion of the project.

When complete, the new museum will feature seven major galleries that will share the stories of Western Australia, its people, its places and its relationship with the wider world and 1,000 metre² temporary exhibition gallery for home-grown and touring exhibitions.

With a feature display of the Perth's famous blue whale skeleton at its heart, it will also include learning studios and programmable spaces for visitors and groups of all ages, including schools; retail, café and commercial spaces; and activated public spaces both inside and outside the museum.

With building expected to be complete in mid-2019, exhibition fit-out will follow with a 2020 opening anticipated.

Once open, it is expected to attract about 800,000 visitors in its first year and contribute about $31 million of extra tourism spend generated from international visitors.

Looking forward to the opening, Premier McGowan stated “the new museum is on track to be one of the most exciting and innovative museums in the country.

“It will be a superb addition to WA's tourism infrastructure.

"Cultural industries play an important role in supporting growth and jobs, particularly through industries such as cultural tourism, hospitality and events.

Minister Templeman added “it is wonderful to see the new museum taking shape in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre.

“This project, along with the McGowan Government's $10 million investment to revitalise the Art Gallery rooftop, is creating a vibrant hub for cultural and social experiences in this State.

“The new museum will be a place where locals and visitors can truly experience the spirit of Western Australia.

"It will showcase the vast and ancient landscapes of Western Australia using state-of-the-art technology and innovative display methods. Most importantly, the incredible stories of our State will be shared through the voices of our people with a strong focus on Aboriginal and multicultural stories."

Image: Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan and Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman on site at Western Australia's new museum.

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