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Premier Mark McGowan expects West Australians to be ‘spellbound’ by WA Museum Boola Bardip

Peter LawThe West Australian
Premier Mark McGowan expects West Australians to be ‘spellbound’ by WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan expects West Australians to be ‘spellbound’ by WA Museum Boola Bardip. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

“Absolutely spellbound”.

That’s how Mark McGowan expects West Australians will react on their first visit to WA Museum Boola Bardip.

The $400 million attraction opens today, six-and-half years after its striking design was unveiled by Mr McGowan’s predecessor, former premier Colin Barnett.

“Words don't do justice to the new museum. It's so spectacular it's mind blowing,” Mr McGowan said.

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“It’s educational, entertaining, interesting, meaningful and architecturally brilliant.

“It integrates old buildings with the new, the displays are so interesting that you are mesmerised when you go into them.

“I think it'll be one of the one of Australia's great public buildings and one of the world's great museums. I think will be seen that way.”

The Premier paid credit to the architects, contractors and curators who had worked to complete the project in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is three times the size of the old museum and includes eight permanent galleries, a 1000sqm temporary exhibition gallery, shop and cafe.

The museum is free for visitors for at least the first 18 months and it will remain free for children aged under 15.

All entry tickets for the opening celebration, from today to November 29, have been allocated to the successful ballot entrants.

To manage crowds, the museum is now taking free bookings for visits from November 30 to January 31. For more informaiton, go to: visit.museum.wa.gov.au

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