Subiaco Museum has undergone a significant glow-up, so if you haven’t visited in a while, now’s your chance.
Subiaco knows that this suburb is like no other. It’s a village within a city. After all, Subi’s story is an integral part of the history of Perth. It boasts an origin story of harsh obstacles, survival and success in the late 1840s as a vital part of what was then known as the Swan River Colony. It became a working-class hero and blossomed into what many would say is the jewel of Perth city life. An uplifting story then – and one that needs to be treasured, preserved and retold to each new generation. Thankfully, there’s an institution to do just that – Subiaco Museum.
This little gem is tucked behind Subiaco Library, just off Rokeby Road, and, since 2 November 1975, has been telling the story of our remarkable suburb with exhibitions, artefacts, artwork, day-to-day objects and spoken-word accounts, drawing thousands through its doors to learn and be entertained. That’s a long time, and if you’ve done the math – yes, this much-loved bastion of record celebrates its 50th birthday this year. And how did it celebrate? Well, looking back wasn’t enough for Subiaco Museum.
This golden anniversary was all about looking forward. An exciting series of renovations took the museum into its second half-century, updates that both modernised the collections and consolidated the work that has gone before. The end result created a more flexible space and an even better experience for visitors. The nuts and bolts include upgraded lighting, creating new interactive and engaging displays, updating signage and the introduction of audio-visual elements. Plush new cabinets are on the way too, to replace the aging units which were originally donated in the 1980s.
Visit today, and you’ll see some wonderful sights. The museum’s back gallery, which is used for larger exhibitions and is home to several permanent exhibits, includes a reconstructed façade of 210 Park Street, a classic weatherboard home of the type that today defines Subiaco. Then there are the 180 oral histories, dating back to 1983, from people who have lived, worked or volunteered in the City of Subiaco, which are currently being digitised and uploaded to CollectionsWA.
The art collection is impressive, around 200 works across all mediums, including pieces by renowned artist Shaun Tan. The museum is also home to more than 1,500 archival records including diaries, certificates, programs, menus, posters, maps, and plans which tell the story of life in Subiaco throughout the decades. And don’t forget the ever-growing digital collection, which is constantly updated with new objects and information, bringing Subi’s history to everyone online. It’s a historian’s delight, made even more welcoming by the renovation, which was carried out by the very talented Creative Spaces team.
Mayor David McMullen, one of the many who flocked to the museum’s reopening in August, was heartily impressed. At the time, he said: “These upgrades will allow museum staff and volunteers to create more in-depth, interactive, and flexible exhibitions spanning decades of local history that people of all ages can enjoy. “Whether you’re a regular visitor or have never been before, come and visit the museum’s new space to gain a unique perspective of our suburb’s rich history, heritage, and stories.”
Subiaco Museum (239 Rokeby Road, Subiaco) is open Wednesday to Friday, noon to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm.
By Matthew Mills
