Museum

From small beginnings in 1926, the Society’s Museum collection has grown to comprise thousands of items that tell stories of life in Western Australia and help to preserve and present our heritage.

The collection includes artworks, costume, textiles, domestic and work items, toys, furniture, and a variety of ephemera providing an insight into the social history of Western Australia. Many items are of national significance.

Search collections

Browse the Museum and our other Collections at Collections: Research Western Australian History.

Enquiries

For Museum research and other collection enquiries please complete the Museum Enquiry Form below or Ph. +61 8 9386 3841

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Images from the collection

Digital images of museum items can be ordered online direct from the collection records. Please supply your name, postal address, email, phone contact number and the title and Museum Accession No. of the item and refer to Conditions of Use -Photograph Images.

Collection Donations

Thank you for your interest in donating to the RWAHS Museum Collection.

The Museum collects objects that relate to significant events, people and places in Western Australian’s history. Items in the collection come primarily from individual donors. If you are interested in donating an item to our collection, please complete and return the Donation Form. Provide as much information as possible and a photograph. The recording of the provenance is very important.

Forms should be emailed to museum@histwest.com.au or mailed to RWAHS Museum, 49 Broadway, Nedlands WA 6009. We will contact you if we need to see an object while it is being considered for acceptance.

The Museum does not purchase items or accept items on permanent or long-term loan.

Please do not bring any items into the Museum without prior notification.

Exhibitions

The Museum’s collection is presented through a series of long term displays that tell the story of this State. There are also temporary exhibitions at the Society, externally and collection stories online. For more information visit the Exhibitions page.

Group visits

The Museum welcomes pre-arranged visits from schools, tertiary institutions, nursing homes and community groups. We provide tours, talks, and hands on activities with museum artefacts. Light refreshments can also be arranged. Limited free parking is available. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

For bookings and further information please contact admin@histwest.org.au or Ph. +61 9386 3841