The Western Australian Museum and State Library of Western Australia are joining forces from July this year, with a space sharing arrangement that will see elements of the Museum’s popular family-based Discovery Centre remain in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre.

From next month, the Museum will open a new Discovery Zone at the State Library while work is carried out to build a New Museum for Western Australia.

The Museum will also operate a combined Library and Museum shop stocking a diverse range of products from both organisations.

Alec Coles, CEO of the WA Museum, said the shared space agreement between the two agencies will allow the Museum’s popular Discovery Centre experiences to continue, and allow visitors to continue to explore the Museum’s collections, while the redevelopment takes place.

“The long standing partnership between the Library and the Museum will now allow the Museum to continue its 125-year history in the Perth Cultural Centre, and to remain part of the activation of that space through a range of family-friendly Museum experiences,” Mr Coles said.

A space in the State Library is being converted and refurbished to create the Museum’s Discovery Zone, while the existing Library Shop will be expanded.

State Library of WA CEO Margaret Allen said that the hosting of collections from the Museum met the Library’s vision to make accessible collections of materials which reflect the many facets of Western Australia’s history and development. The WA Museum Collection is part of that story. 

“Bringing the Discovery Zone to the Library and expanding the range of merchandise in the shop complements the programs run by the State Library, making for an enriched program of activities for all,” Ms Allen said.

The WA Museum’s Perth site is closing to the public on 18 June for four years while the State Government completes its $428.3 million redevelopment. Doors to the New Museum for Western Australia are scheduled to open in the Perth Cultural Centre in 2020. 

Ends

Media contacts:

Flora Perrella
Media and Communications Coordinator
Western Australian Museum       
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au

Susan Parker
Marketing Manager  
State Library of Western Australia
susan.parker@slwa.wa.gov.au