WA Maritime Museum celebrates 20th anniversary with live music and extended opening hours

Article | Updated 1 years ago

WA Maritime Museum will celebrate 20 years of history, heritage, and exhibitions this Saturday, December 10, with a free family-friendly event and extended opening hours.

Located along Walyalup’s stunning harbourside, WA Maritime Museum was officially opened to the public on December 1, 2002, by the former Premier of WA Dr Geoff Gallop.

The opening was marked by a spectacular fly-past by Hawk 127 fighters from the Royal Australian Air Force 79 Squadron and Dr Gallop said it was one of the most imaginative facilities ever built by a State Government.

“This unique and historic setting at the harbour entrance, with the passing parade of ships, makes this a perfect site for people to appreciate our maritime connections,” Dr Gallop said.

The project was the biggest of its kind in inner Fremantle since the 1890s, housing six ‘permanent’ exhibition galleries, a travelling exhibitions gallery, a function centre and a theatre.

Proving a popular spot for community members and tourists alike, WA Maritime Museum attracted a total of 203,000 visitors in its first seven months and is home to the iconic Americas’ Cup Challenge racing yacht, Australia II.

WA Maritime Museum has since won numerous awards in tourism, engineering, heritage, business, and design and was announced as a winner of the 2022 WA Heritage Awards for its Fremantle Then and Now: Historical Panoramas exhibition.

Western Australian Museum Acting CEO, Diana Jones, said WA Maritime Museum’s 20th anniversary was a significant moment for both the Museum’s staff and the Fremantle community.

“WA Maritime Museum has been at the heart of the Fremantle community since it opened in 2002 and has become a landmark on the city’s skyline.”

“The success of the Museum’s Welcome Walls project, countless awards and collaborations with community groups, and local businesses, is something worth celebrating on this 20-year milestone,” Ms Jones said.

A free outdoor concert and family-friendly summer party will take place at WA Maritime Museum this Saturday, December 10, in collaboration with Gage Roads, Republic of Fremantle and with support from the City of Fremantle.

The 20-year milestone celebration will also include free entry and extended Museum opening hours until 8 pm on December 10.