Museum collection
The collection
There are more than 12,000 items in the Subiaco Museum's four collections. About 5 per cent are on display at any one time, with many more in safe storage.
The museum's collection comprises donations from residents and former residents of Subiaco, as well as acquisitions by the City.
Items in storage may be viewed by the public upon request. Item retrieval can take up to ten working days.
Photographs
The collection includes photographs dating from the 1890s to the present. The images are all closely related to the City of Subiaco. Photographs may be reproduced, subject to copyright conditions and a service charge.
Objects
The museum looks after more than 5000 objects, including tools, clothing, household items, books, furniture, and musical instruments.
Archives
More than 1500 archival records including diaries, certificates, programs, menus, posters, maps, and plans tell the story of life in Subiaco throughout the decades.
More than 150 local area residents and personalities have recorded their story as oral histories. Transcripts are available for most recordings.
Artworks
The museum also manages a collection of contemporary and historical artwork. There are approximately 200 works across all mediums, including works by renowned artist Shaun Tan.
Donation to the collection
Through the museum, the City collects, preserves, researches, documents, stores and/or displays items detailing the natural and human history of the Subiaco area from the earliest times to the present.
If you have a photograph or an artefact you believe is significant in representing Subiaco’s rich history which you may consider donating, please contact the museum on 9237 9351 or email museum@subiaco.wa.gov.au.
Donations cannot be accepted without prior authorisation from the Coordinator Museum Services.
Donations meeting all the following criteria may be accepted:
• the item is relevant to and consistent with the museum’s purpose of representing the natural and human history of the Subiaco area
• the item is in a condition that contributes to the purpose of the museum
• the museum has adequate resources to preserve, research, document, store, display and interpret the item
• the item is not already represented in the museum’s collection
• the item has a legal and ethical provenance.
If your donation is approved by the Subiaco Museum, it must be accompanied by a donor acknowledgement form giving full and unencumbered ownership to the museum, without restrictions on the use or future disposition of the item.