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Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

The Law Society of Western Australia Old Court House Law Museum

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The Law Society of Western Australia Old Court House Law Museum

The Museum’s objective is to connect people to the law of Western Australia and to inspire reflective discussions.

The interpretative displays are accompanied by an audio overview and take visitors on a journey through WA’s legal and social history.

12/06/2026

As we come to the end of the financial year, we are polishing the little gem that is Old Court House Law Museum with an exciting new project called ‘Let the Walls Speak’.

This ground-breaking project will see the Museum’s entrance gallery completely reimagined, to powerfully place Noongar Law, one of the oldest continuing legal systems in the world, alongside colonial and contemporary law. We are in the final leg of fundraising to make Let the Walls Speak a reality, and we need your help to get to the finish line!

Our fundraising goal is $110,000; we have already raised $83,000 and have just $27,000 to raise before the EOFY. Your tax-deductible gift, however small, will help us make this exciting project a reality, creating a space where truth-telling, learning, and shared understanding can flourish for generations to come.

Check out the sneak peek of the exciting new short film Kwejuk Nyitting, about Noongar food law which will feature in our new gallery.

Thanks to Lotterywest and Ngarma Aboriginal Association for the funding and development of this film.

Come on and be part of this amazing project, Let the Walls Speak, by donating here: https://lawsocietywa.asn.au/Museum/Web/Old-Court-House-Law-Museum/support-donate.aspx?hkey=ab6b174e-0a20-42c8-9457-c9baf17911f4

Creative Lead: Ilona McGuire
Cultural Lead: Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association
Cultural Advisors: Walter McGuire, Clive Smith, May McGuire
Animator: Tracey Kim
Audio: Envelope Audio

11/06/2026

Law and leisure – that’s the promise offered to legal practitioners worldwide for the 1987 Australian Legal Convention 🌅⚖️🌴

A briefcase full of legal pamphlets, highlighters, sketches and activity tokens was recently uncovered within the Old Court House Law Museum Collection, providing insight as to the events of one of Australia’s biggest legal gatherings.

Supported by the Law Society of Western Australia and the Law Council of Australia, this ‘Winds of Change’ themed convention boasted lectures by renowned legal professionals and, simultaneously, hot air balloon rides in York, fashion parades, boat cruises of the Swan River, and the “best beaches in Australia!” 🎈

This wonderful assortment of items found within an unassuming briefcase is now live and published to our eHive Collection!

04/06/2026

🌟Star-struck 🌟 Museum staff attended a fantastic conversation facilitated by City of Melville between Aimee Ryan and Narelda Jacobs OAM responding to the Reconciliation Week theme 'All In'. We listened to powerful insights from Narelda about her career, the challenges and impact of her work as a Whadjuk Noongar journalist, commentator and activist.

27/05/2026

On This Day. May 27, 1967 was the successful referendum for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as part of the Australian population.

The 1967 referendum was the climax to many national protests and
events which campaigned for change towards equality and civil rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

With 90.77% voting ‘Yes’, the referendum achieved a historic
double majority. It resulted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be counted in the Census and gave the Commonwealth Government, not the States, responsibility to make laws for Aboriginal peoples.

This week is reconciliation week, an important time to
reflect and participate in Australia’s continuing journey toward equality.

The Museum is working to expand information in our galleries about Traditional Law which pre-dates colonial, state and federal law to balance the understanding of law on this land.

26/05/2026

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the trials of Kenneth Brown (Father of Edith Cowan); a scandal that rocked the community in 19th Century Western Australia. Brown’s victim and wife Mary Ann's right to safety was eclipsed by social conventions and the reputation of her husband.

This domestic violence trial in 1876 provides a glimpse into the social and legal perceptions around accountability and provocation in the prosecution and defence of Brown. These trials unfolded within the very walls of the Old Court House, when it served as a functioning court of law.

On this day, 26 May 1876, the third trial of Regina v. Brown began. After two previous juries were dismissed for failing to reach a unanimous verdict, a new jury was formed from bystanders in the court and nearby streets, a practice known as “praying a tales.” The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict, and Brown was sentenced to death.

This case was the focus of our recent Special Exhibition, The Unfortunate Woman v Her Well-Respected Killer, which explored the trial and its broader social context.

Whilst this Special Exhibition has finished, The Unfortunate Woman film is still available to watch via What’s on > Past Exhibitions on our website.

The Unfortunate Woman v Her Well-Respected Killer film was produced by the Old Court House Law Museum, created by Edify Media with support from Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival. The Museum collaborated with experts in law, history and social services to create the film and connect our Museum Collection with critical contemporary issues and tell unique Western Australian stories.

22/05/2026

The Old Court House has a 190-year legacy as a venue for important conversations. Last night was no different as we hosted an incredible panel of speakers from heritage, architecture and placemaking.

The Enduring Walls, Evolving Stories panel discussion, moderated by Sarah Booth, explored the challenges and opportunities in the preservation of historic spaces, whilst also ensuring they continue to evolve, connect communities, and remain relevant for future generations.

From adaptive reuse and heritage policy to communicating the value of historic places, the conversation highlighted the many ways enduring walls can continue to breathe new life and stories.

Thank you to our panelists, Sandy Anghie, Sarah Booth, Darren Foster and Christopher Paterson, guests, and community for contributing to such an insightful and generous evening of discussion.

Events like these remind us that heritage buildings can be contemporary places of connection, collaboration, and ongoing cultural life which connect us to each other in a very special and unique way.

Thanks to event sponsors
Chris Paterson Heritage + Architecture and Perth Design Week

20/05/2026

Firm and Family Event

Laughter, lively debate, and a little courtroom drama filled the
halls of the Old Court House Law Museum last week as we welcomed Brand Barristers & Solicitors for a memorable Firm and Family event.

Guests of all ages enjoyed drinks and nibbles while exploring the
Museum’s fascinating exhibits before stepping into the spotlight for a scripted mock trial. From passionate “lawyers” to enthusiastic “witnesses,” the court room came alive with plenty of laughs and spirited performances.

The occasion was made even more special as the Museum prepares to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Old Court House building in 2026, while Brand Barristers and Solicitors marks an exciting milestone of its own — 10 years in practice.

We are proud to acknowledge Brand Barristers & Solicitors for
their leadership as a Western Australian Law Firm Champion of the Museum. Its support helps strengthen the connection between community, culture, and the stories of law and justice that continue to shape Western Australia.

19/05/2026

At the recent launch of our new Special Exhibition, Enduring Walls, Evolving Stories, guests were transported back in time as Tom Jacobs, Partner at Jackson McDonald — one of Western Australia’s oldest law firms — narrated a remarkable 3D rendering of the Old Court House Law Museum as it once stood. In this video, we share a snippet of Tom's compelling 5-minute narration.

Created by Christopher Paterson Heritage and Architecture, the render offers a vivid glimpse into the building’s original form, revealing how heritage spaces continue to evolve while carrying the stories of those who shaped them.

We would like to thank our community of friends and supporters who joined us to celebrate the enduring legacy of this historic site and the collaborations that help bring Perth’s legal and social history to life.

13/05/2026

Do you know what this peculiar item is?

The beginning of the year has been spent researching our archaeology collection at the Old Court House Law Museum. Our Collections Officer Torren Whisson came across this item, opening the doors to intrigue and curiosity as to what it could be!

Found during one of many excavations in the Old Court House Law Museum and Supreme Court of Western Australia's vicinity, this item hints to an unknown story pertaining to Perth's colonial legal history. Perhaps from times of construction or early happenings in the courts, we hope to discover its ties to the oldest building in Perth.

Our team has pondered widely – could it be a tool handle? A piece of horse tack? A bucket or pot handle?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

08/05/2026

Meet the dynamic voices behind our upcoming Enduring Walls, Evolving Stories panel.

Each brings deep expertise in architecture, conservation and placemaking. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear unique perspectives on how we protect Western Australia’s built heritage while creating space for new stories.

We look forward to an exciting night at the Museum exploring the unique opportunities heritage architecture provides for activation and connection.

Thursday 21 May 5.00 pm – 7.30 pm Old Court House Law Museum

Tickets available via the link in our Instagram bio or visit the What’s On page of our website.

Address

Stirling Gardens, Barrack St & St George’s Terrace
Perth, WA
6000

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

(08) 9324 8688

Website

https://www.lawsocietywa.asn.au/the-museum/

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