Museum of Performing Arts, Perth
The Museum of Performing Arts in Perth serves as a captivating tribute to the rich history of His Majesty's Theatre, a cornerstone in the cultural and social fabric of Western Australia. Situated downstairs within the theatre, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of over 40,000 cataloged items, meticulously gathered by the theatre's historian. This diverse assortment includes glamorous costumes, photographs, press clippings, scripts, scores, and other historic pieces that paint a vivid picture of the theatre's storied past.
The museum, affectionately known as DownStairs at the Maj, offers the public a unique opportunity to delve into the world of performing arts with new exhibitions rotating every six to eight weeks. Among its treasures, the oldest item—a silk programme from a Perth performance of amateur theatricals dating back to 1854—stands out as a testament to the long-standing tradition of performing arts in the region.
His Majesty's Theatre, a versatile venue, has played host to a wide array of performance genres over the years, including ballet, contemporary dance, opera, musical theatre, vaudeville, stand-up comedy, Shakespearean drama, and pantomime. Renowned performers like Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Katharine Hepburn, and Sir John Gielgud have graced its stage since its establishment in 1904, contributing to Western Australia's cultural richness.
In February 2001, His Majesty's Theatre inaugurated the Museum of Performing Arts in a fitting homage to this legacy. The museum's curation is spearheaded by Theatre Historian Ivan King, with the Friends of His Majesty's Theatre offering their support for inquiries. This establishment not only preserves the memory of past performances but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations, celebrating the ongoing story of performing arts in Perth and beyond.
The museum, affectionately known as DownStairs at the Maj, offers the public a unique opportunity to delve into the world of performing arts with new exhibitions rotating every six to eight weeks. Among its treasures, the oldest item—a silk programme from a Perth performance of amateur theatricals dating back to 1854—stands out as a testament to the long-standing tradition of performing arts in the region.
His Majesty's Theatre, a versatile venue, has played host to a wide array of performance genres over the years, including ballet, contemporary dance, opera, musical theatre, vaudeville, stand-up comedy, Shakespearean drama, and pantomime. Renowned performers like Dame Nellie Melba, Anna Pavlova, Katharine Hepburn, and Sir John Gielgud have graced its stage since its establishment in 1904, contributing to Western Australia's cultural richness.
In February 2001, His Majesty's Theatre inaugurated the Museum of Performing Arts in a fitting homage to this legacy. The museum's curation is spearheaded by Theatre Historian Ivan King, with the Friends of His Majesty's Theatre offering their support for inquiries. This establishment not only preserves the memory of past performances but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations, celebrating the ongoing story of performing arts in Perth and beyond.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Perth. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Museum of Performing Arts on Map
Sight Name: Museum of Performing Arts
Sight Location: Perth, Australia (See walking tours in Perth)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Perth, Australia (See walking tours in Perth)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Perth, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Perth
Creating your own self-guided walk in Perth is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Perth Historic Buildings Walk
Established by British settlers in 1829 and originally named the Swan River Colony, the city of Perth boasts a wealth of old buildings – governmental, religious, residential, commercial and institutional, – many of which are heritage-listed.
Just like other Western Australia’s settlements, the city struggled throughout the 1800s from the lack of resources, labor and investment. However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Just like other Western Australia’s settlements, the city struggled throughout the 1800s from the lack of resources, labor and investment. However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Perth Introduction Walking Tour
Perth is the capital of Western Australia. With a population of more than 2 million, the metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the country.
Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829. It was the first free-settler colony in Australia established by private capital. The official foundation ceremony took place on 12 August 1829 with the chopping down of a tree. Today a plaque set... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829. It was the first free-settler colony in Australia established by private capital. The official foundation ceremony took place on 12 August 1829 with the chopping down of a tree. Today a plaque set... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles