If you are looking for a quiet and step-back-in-time experience, the Claremont Museum is a hidden gem that deserves far more attention than it gets. This small but thoughtfully curated museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s local history and community heritage.
Originally constructed in 1862, this historic Freshwater Bay School has served as a place of religious worship, a boarding house for young men, and a police station and police quarters throughout its history, and is now the oldest building remaining between Perth and Fremantle.
From the moment you step inside, you are instantly transported back in time where you get to discover the stories of Claremont’s early settlers, the civic development and their everyday life throughout the decades.
The exhibits here are intimate and story-driven such as their rotating exhibition series “Ten More Stories” which highlights individual items chosen from the museum’s extensive collection and brings them to life through storytelling rather than dense information panels.
One of the most memorable exhibits is the recreated historic classroom, designed to reflect schooling back in the 1800s! Adults and children get to sit in class and get a feel of what learning was like long before modern classrooms.
Another fantastic display is the laundry room, where children learn about the story of soap and how clothes were cleaned before washing machines.
Children can also see the changing technology in Australian kitchens at the Education Kitchen, where they get to imagine what it was like to make dinner before the invention of the refrigerator and microwave!
The museum’s permanent collections also give families plenty to explore with exhibits carefully arranged with historic photographs, documents and household items- all dedicated to local institutions, schools, and notable residents, allowing you to experience a personal touch.
Making it fun is the kids’ activity- “Save the Seal” trail where children gets to look for the hidden seals in the exhibits while learning about the story of a local resident’s unusual pet seal! Upon completion, children get to receive a prize.
Another big plus is the welcoming and community feel, as the museum is run by local volunteers who are friendly and always happy to chat with the children. The venue is pram-friendly, with toilets and a small number of on-site parking bays.
Overall, if you are looking to introduce your children to local history in a relaxed and meaningful way, Claremont Museum is definitely worth adding to your list! And what’s better is that on selected Sundays, they have Sunday Funday, where there is free fun and educational kids’ activities at the museum! Turn this into a fun day out by packing a picnic and letting the children have a play at Mrs Herbert’s Park, which is located near the Claremont Museum.
Claremont Museum
66 Victoria Ave, Claremont, WA 6010
Opening hours:
Mon – Thurs: 10am – 4pm
Sun: 10am – 2pm
Fri- Sat: Closed
https://www.claremont.wa.gov.au/places/museum/
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Mum of two girls and working as a registered nurse. Originally from Singapore, I have spent the last 17 years in Perth where I raised my beautiful girls. After being a mum, I find passion in exploring new places and doing new activities with my kids. Besides mummy duties, I find joy in pretty dresses and books.
