French Explorers in Western Australia

Two exclusive exhibitions

Thu 13 Sep 2018Sun 9 Dec 2018

9:30am5:00pm

WA Maritime Museum


You are invited to view two exquisite exhibitions that celebrate Western Australia’s French connections.

Entry to French Explorers in Western Australia is free. Museum entry fees apply.

The Art of Science: Baudin's Voyagers 1800-1804

For the first time since they were completed over 200 years ago this exhibition brings original paintings and drawings from the Museum of Natural History in Le Havre, France to Australia.

Baudin’s ships, Géographe and Naturaliste embarked from Le Havre in October 1800 carrying an impressive group of scientists. Lavishly funded by Napoléon Bonaparte, their agenda was the discovery and study of natural sciences, underpinned by the emergence of new ideas and philosophies of reason.

Never seen before in Australia, items include beautiful coastal profiles, hand drawn maps, and Baudin’s personal journal from France’s National Archives.

Paintings and drawings by Baudin’s artists were created on the shores and off the coasts of Australia capturing some of the first European views of Australian animals, landscapes and very first portraits of Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this exhibition includes names, images, objects, and works of people who are now deceased.
The language used in this exhibition is a reflection of the period.

Return to Australia: Freycinet 1818

Discover the science and stories behind this amazing journey as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of Freycinet’s expedition to Western Australia in the Uranie.

As Commander of a scientific expedition taking him across the world, Louis de Freycinet arrived in Shark Bay on 12 September 1818. 

Other than his official obligations, he had a secret motive — to retrieve the historically significant pewter plate erected there in 1697 by Dutch mariner Willem de Vlamingh.

With her husband Louis’ assistance,  Rose de Freycinet smuggled herself aboard the expedition and became the second woman to circumnavigate the globe, and the first to write a full account of her journey.

Her diary survives today and presents a unique and genuine perspective about this long and eventful expedition.


French Explorers: Learning Resources

Check our our great range of French Explorers in Western Australia teaching resources and learn how to book an excursion on our Learning Resources page.


Caption: French Explorers in WA

Credit: WA Museum