Perth Museum And Art Gallery

This fantastic museum is housed in one of the landmark buildings of Perth’s skyline. Topped by an eye-catching copper dome, the original Marshall Monument, with it’s impressive columned frontage, was built to honour Thomas Hay Marshall, one time Provost of the city and the man responsible for comissioning much of its fine architecture. Two of Perth’s most exclusive residential streets, Marshall Place overlooking the South Inch and Rose Terrace – named after his wife and overlooking the North Inch – are classic examples of his work.

The circular galleries inside were once on three levels, and housed the collections of the Literary and Antiquarian Society, while the Natural History Collections were initially begun in another museum in Tay Street.

The extension to the museum was opened in 1934, built on land which had been cleared of slum housing, and two collections were combined under the same roof with the Natural History collections (including stuffed lions!) transferred to their new home in a removal truck. The new premises offered extensive gallery space and basement storage, with room to expand and add other collections in Fine Art, Applied Art, Archaeology, Numismatics (coins) and Photography.

The photography collection of Magnus Jackson, one of Perth’s earliest photographers, provides visitors and residents with an unique view of almost every element of Perth’s past in detailed old photographs, many of which are available to view online as part of the Showcase database inside the museum. There are a number of prints and postcards available for purchase.

No visit to the beautiful city Perth would be complete without a peek into its rich and varied past!

This museum has so much to offer – it’s free to get in, there’s activities for families and kids to try, the displays are interesting and feature a comprehensive history of the local area as well as some unique objects such as the Strathmore meteorite, the largest salmon ever caught on the Tay, an extremely rare and original 17th century silk doublet and fabulous art exhibitions which change on a regular basis.

Locals who remember their visits to the museum from childhood will discover a very different experience should they choose to revisit the museum with a pair of fresh eyes (try bringing in the grand-kids!). In these days of fractured and scattered families, a visit to the museum can provide the catalyst and opportunity to share memories from one generation to the next, creating an understanding of a person’s place in history and a sense of belonging.

Think you know Perth? The present is only the latest chapter in history!