WA Museum Boola Bardip

The WA Museum Boola Bardip, designed and delivered in joint venture between Hassell and OMA, is a place that celebrates the unique culture, history and landscape of Western Australia and its people. Boola Bardip means 'many stories' in the Noongar language and this reflects a commitment to 'privilege many voices telling many stories', and a care for the shared heritage of all West Australians.

A large-scale example of adaptive reuse, the project integrates the restoration and refurbishment of a number of colonial era heritage-listed buildings with a series of contemporary interventions. This approximately doubled the size of the museum by floor area and provided extensive new gallery space to meet modern exhibition standards.

A holistic approach to sustainability shaped many aspects of the design. In addition to a focus on passive solar design and energy efficient systems, the project addresses connection to Country and the ongoing social, economic, and cultural importance of the museum as an institution. A new outdoor 'City Room' unlocks significant community value from the site, while a precinct-wide central energy plant has reduced carbon emissions.

Prioritising universal accessibility and connection, WA Museum Boola Bardip is a catalyst for reconciliation with Country. Revitalising the Perth Cultural Precinct, it is a compelling example of how carefully planned interventions can give a new lease of life to existing heritage buildings and regenerate an urban precinct.