Gallery Redevelopment Program
As part of its current Strategic Plan the museum has developed a comprehensive Precinct Plan for the Artillery Barracks site and has identified the phased upgrading of its various galleries to better manage and display its collection.
The proposed gallery redevelopment program is summarised below.
Post 1945 Gallery
The period since the end of World War 2 represents more than half the history of the Australian Army. It includes the almost forgotten war of Korea; our longest war – Vietnam; innumerable peace keeping activities and the current conflict in Afghanistan.
The Foundation used its own funds to have a concept plan developed by professional designers Freeman Ryan Design. Their exciting concept plan was used to make a successful application to Lotterywest for grant funding of over $550,000 to support the development of the the new Post 1945 Gallery.
Following calls for tender, the Post 1945 Gallery was developed by Perth Company BKAYDesigns to high museum standards and completed in July 2010. The new gallery was officially opened on Friday 6 August 2010. Click here for a link to the Post 1945 Gallery pages showing a selection of images from the new gallery.
World War 2 Gallery
Campaigns include those of the Mediterranean Theatre and the South West Pacific, but there are also the stories of the defence of Western Australia and that of the prisoners of war. This gallery will equal the Post 1945 gallery in size and will provide a fitting reminder to all visitors of the sacrifices and honour the endurance of those who served.
Concept development and fit-out is estimated to cost $760,000
World War 1 Gallery and Updated Museum Infrastructure
Gallipoli, the Western Front and the Light Horse campaigns are the focus of the World War 1 Gallery. This gallery is supported by the life size WW1 Trench Gallery. Although effective they need refurbishing to bring them to the standards being set by the other galleries.
For the preservation of display items there will be a need to air-condition most of the main display areas and to install CCTV and other security devices.
Enhancement and protection of the external static displays is part of this phase. Estimated cost $650,000
Pre-1914 Gallery and Museum Entrance Redevelopment
Military contingents from the British Army arrived with the first settlers and played an important role in the exploration and development of Western Australia. As the colony grew the citizen’s concern for its defence expressed itself in local volunteers and militia. During the Boer War Western Australia dispatched six contingents to South Africa.
As part of the upgrading of the gallery area displaying our pre-1914 collection, work will also include a redevelopment of the Museum entrance and shop.
Concept Development and fit-out is estimated to cost $550,000
Last updated on: 19/05/11
Army Museum of Western Australia