Perth Museum, in one of the city’s oldest homes, outlines the development of the region. The museum is the ideal destination for those wanting to discover how settlers of the military town lived during the 19th century.
The impressive and elegantly maintained Matheson House was once the residence of a local merchant and senator, the Honourable Roderick Matheson. Visit the sandstone mansion to see many rooms restored to their original condition along with a range of permanent and temporary exhibits. The Perth Museum is an award-winning cultural institution and one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Arrive at the Perth Museum on foot to see the former Matheson residence rising from the streets. The museum is located in downtown Perth and is surrounded by the stores, restaurants and cafés of the central precinct. Before you enter, admire the sandstone façade and the Scottish garden that flanks the right side of the house. Stop to smell the flowers before crossing to the kitchen garden. Here you’ll find herbs and an outdoor oven. The nearby courtyard hosts events throughout the summer.
Enter the Matheson House to explore the Perth Museum in its entirety. Walk through the four period rooms, carefully restored to replicate the furnishings and style of the home where the Matheson family resided for nearly a century. Explore the parlor, dining room, drawing room and kitchen before making your way upstairs to see the temporary exhibits and the story of Perth. See guns used in historic duels and learn the story of the Mammoth Cheese, made from the milk of 10,000 cows for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
The Perth Museum and Matheson House are located on Gore Street East, just a short walk from the centre of Perth. While some parking is available on site, the town centre is easily reached on foot. The museum is open daily and entrance is by donation.
