PERTH OBSERVATORY MUSEUM

Perth Observatory is Western Australia’s oldest observatory,
located 35km east of Perth in the picturesque suburb of Bickley.

OVERVIEW

Title:
Perth Observatory Museum

Client:
Perth Observatory

Location:
Bickley Valley, Perth

Curator:
Gina Pickering

Cultural Advice:
Noel Nannup

Designer:
Mark Welsh

Description:
Exhibition Branding
Museum Strategy
Exhibition Design
Fabrication Management
Installation Management

The Perth Observatory’s fundamental role in the state’s development is reflected using the Perth Observatory’s unique collection. The interpretation highlights Perth Observatory’s international role in mapping the sky through image, story, and original technologies, while a range of exceptional clocks, telescopes, instruments, and archival materials provide spectacular, internationally outstanding, and rare exhibits that captivate diverse audiences.

Planetary orbits directly inspired the footprint for the permanent exhibition, with time-keeping components located at its centre. Special attention to the creation of arresting and accessible design encounters engage with the site’s historical context, and provide immersive and memorable visitor experiences. This gives visitors a surprising narrative of the site’s history, highlighting the spiritual, scientific and aesthetic while offering reconciliation and universal connections.

The exhibition design featured a thorough approach to museum branding, stylistic guidelines, and a detailed, production-ready Design Plan. Audio-visual technologies, interactive experiences, specialist lighting, and securely enclosed State objects were integrated into the exhibit. The exhibition at Perth Observatory, a global leader in Western scientific history, excels in time-keeping, surveying, seismology, navigation, meteorology, and tide monitoring.