The Western Australian Museum is commencing the final phase of planned maintenance work at the historic Shipwreck Galleries in Fremantle, beginning 3 March, 2015.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the Shipwreck Galleries will be closing for approximately six weeks while work is done to replace the ageing roof and remediate the limestone walls of the heritage listed Commisariat Building, which dates back to 1852.

“This work has been planned for some time and it is needed to ensure that the historic Commissariat Building and the very significant WA Museum shipwreck collections contained within it are properly protected for the benefit of future generations,” Mr Coles said.

“The closure is only temporary and the very popular Shipwreck Galleries is scheduled to re-open in April.”

Mr Coles said the Shipwreck Galleries contained the biggest collection of excavated maritime archaeological material in the world – most of it from the incredible Dutch shipwrecks lying off the WA coast – and it is important to ensure they are housed appropriately.

“We know how popular this Museum is not only for tourists, but also for Western Australians, and would encourage people to keep an eye on our website for updates on when it will re-open.  In the meantime, there is, of course, plenty to see at the magnificent WA Maritime Museum on Victoria Quay, also in Fremantle!”

 

Media contact

Flora Perrella

Media and Publicity Coordinator

Western Australian Museum

(08) 6552 7804         0424 027 646
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au