Berndt Museum of Anthropology

The Berndt Museum of Anthropology is an anthropology museum at the University of Western Australia housing over 12,000 objects and 35,000 photographs. The collection spans Indigenous Australian cultures, Asian artifacts, and Melanesian materials.

Ronald and Catherine Berndt founded the museum in 1976 as a research center at the University of Western Australia. The institution grew from their dedication to documenting and preserving Australian Aboriginal art and cultural materials.

The museum displays traditional tools, ceremonial objects, and contemporary Indigenous artworks that show the knowledge and daily realities of Aboriginal peoples. Visitors can see how these items reflect the lives and beliefs of the original inhabitants.

The museum is located about ten minutes from Perth's business district and relatively easy to reach. Plan enough time for your visit as some collections are available by appointment only.

The Yirrkala Drawings collection is included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. These drawings represent essential documentation of Aboriginal Australian cultural heritage.

Location: City of Perth

Inception: 1976

Founders: Ronald Berndt, Catherine Berndt

Website: https://berndt.uwa.edu.au

GPS coordinates: -31.97694,115.81611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26