Perth Gaol, Museum building in Central Perth, Australia
Perth Gaol is a museum building in central Perth featuring limestone walls arranged in a cruciform layout with a central hall, multiple cell blocks, and a former execution yard. The structure clearly shows the functional design of a historical prison facility with distinct zones for different purposes.
Built between 1854 and 1856 using convict labor, this building first functioned as a prison before its conversion to a museum facility in 1892. This shift from incarceration site to cultural institution transformed its purpose and meaning for the city.
This site is now part of the WA Museum Boola Bardip, where exhibitions explore the relationship between colonial authorities and local populations through artifacts and stories. Visitors experience how the building itself tells the story of early settlement and its lasting effects.
Some areas remain closed to visitors due to preservation requirements, so check ahead about which sections are accessible during your visit. Guided tours provide comprehensive information about how the building functioned during its different periods of use.
The limestone for construction was transported via the Swan River from Rocky Bay quarries rather than sourced locally. This connection to the river demonstrates the challenges of building materials supply during the colonial period.
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