The Western Australian Museum will be displaying, playing and talking all things spiders – alongside a 50-tonne fire breathing spider at Elizabeth Quay this week.

The Museum’s spider encounter will take place inside the WA Museum’s inflatable museum for Arcadia Australia.

Arcadia – a spectacle of technology, performance, lasers and community activities – will make its Australian debut in Perth from tomorrow and thousands of people are expected to attend.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said it is a unique opportunity for people to get up close and personal with spiders.

“Whether you love or hate spiders, we are going to have a lot of fun and you may even find a new appreciation for our secret housemates and neighbours!” Mr Coles said.

Arcadia begins tomorrow, 23 November, with two free community open days. The WA Museum will host a range of family friendly activities from 4pm – 7pm on those days.

Visitors can find out more about the amazing spiders in their own backyards at talks by WA Museum Senior Curator of Arachnology Dr Mark Harvey. After learning about the different types of spiders in Western Australia, they can make their own pet spider out of recycled materials.

Visitors will also be invited to dress up and dance like a dazzling peacock spider.

“Peacock spiders grow to a maximum length of 0.5 centimetres, yet the beautifully coloured males’ intricate courtship displays are captivating,” Mr Coles said.

“The Museum is inviting the people of WA to come along and have a dance off – peacock spider style!” 

Media contact
Sharna Craig
Media and Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
sharna.craig@museum.wa.gov.au