The museum has been conceived as a ‘collection of stories’ about Western Australia’s diversity, history and contemporary culture. Heritage buildings and new structures have been connected to offer a variety of curatorial possibilities, and to create the sheltered, outdoor ‘City Room’ for public cultural programmes and daily activities.

The museum will be a place where the local community and global visitors can gather to engage in diverse cultural experiences. It features additional spaces for exhibitions and events, capacity for national and international touring shows, and new retail and dining opportunities. The ‘City Room’ at the heart of the project is a civic space for a variety of activities and exhibitions, used by the museum, cultural institutions and the general public. 

Hassell + OMA have worked as one team in Perth to deliver the museum in partnership with managing contractor Multiplex, drawing on both practices’ experience in design and construction of large-scale cultural projects.