The big flower patch right in front of the Supreme Court building
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Old Court House Law Museum

4.6
·47 reviews·Perth, Australia

Explore Perth's oldest building, a museum detailing WA's legal history and the evolution of justice. Free entry!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend Afternoons

Less crowded, relaxed pace

CrowdLow
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The big flower patch right in front of the Supreme Court building

Old Court House Law Museum

Best Time

Weekend Afternoons

Less crowded, relaxed pace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Perth's oldest building, a museum detailing WA's legal history and the evolution of justice. Free entry!

4.6
(47 reviews)

"A brilliant stop for history lovers, offering insightful glimpses into how justice evolved in WA."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Donations

Enjoy free admission! Donations are welcomed to help preserve this historic gem. :moneybag:

Street Parking Needed

No on-site parking. Look for street parking nearby. 🚗

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 47 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Courtroom

The Historic Courtroom

Main Exhibition Hall

Step into the original courtroom, where justice was once served. Feel the weight of history in this preserved space.

Evolution of WA Law

Evolution of WA Law

Exhibition Displays

Explore exhibits detailing Aboriginal, British, and Australian legal traditions and their impact on Western Australia.

Perth's Oldest Building

Perth's Oldest Building

Exterior and Interior

Admire the colonial architecture of the city's oldest surviving public building, built in 1836.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Big History

This museum is free to enter, making it an accessible historical deep-dive. Plan for a compact visit as it's a smaller venue, but packed with insights into WA's legal past and the building's own evolution. Donations are appreciated to support its upkeep. Reddit

Parking & Facilities

Visitor parking is not available on-site; street parking is your best bet. Public toilets are a short walk away and may not be ideal, so plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend Afternoons
Why
Less crowded, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Quieter for reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A serial killer sat on trial in this courtroom in the 1990s #urbex #urbanexploration #urbanexploring #abandoned #abandonedplaces #fyp #fypシ
@sugarb0mb
110.6K likes • 741.8K views

Free Entry & Donations

Enjoy free admission! Donations are welcomed to help preserve this historic gem. :moneybag: Reddit

Street Parking Needed

No on-site parking. Look for street parking nearby. 🚗 Reddit

welcome to the American Museum of Tort Law📖located in Winsted, CT #museumtok #torttok #tortlaw #law #ralphnader #fyp #tour @LYDIA BIRD
@tortlawmuseum
14.7K likes • 271.6K views
Take a stroll through the oldest building in Perth! The @oldcourthouselawmuseum, built in 1836, is a hidden gem tucked away in Stirling Gardens. It started as a court, church, and meeting place for early settlers, and today, it’s a fascinating museum filled with stories about WA’s legal history. Step inside to see original courtroom furniture, historic documents, and exhibits on landmark cases th...
helloperth
128 likes • 8K views

Public Toilets Nearby

Museum has no toilets. Public facilities are a short walk away. 🚽 Reddit

Reflect on Legal History

Engage with exhibits on Aboriginal, British, and Australian law. :scales:

You have to go and visit Perth’s oldest building, the Old Court House Law Museum. From its principal function as a court house, to its cultural role as the main social and civic hub of early colonial life. The Museum represents all systems of law that have been a part of Western Australia’s history; Aboriginal, British and Australian and interrogates the continuing evolution of the justice system...
amaga_wa
19 likes • 377 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Donations

Enjoy free admission! Donations are welcomed to help preserve this historic gem. :moneybag: Reddit

Street Parking Needed

No on-site parking. Look for street parking nearby. 🚗 Reddit

Public Toilets Nearby

Museum has no toilets. Public facilities are a short walk away. 🚽 Reddit

Reflect on Legal History

Engage with exhibits on Aboriginal, British, and Australian law. :scales:

Immersive History

Experience the building's colonial charm and its role in WA's past. :old_key:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Old Court House Law Museum for its free entry, informative exhibits on WA's legal history, and the charm of Perth's oldest building. The friendly staff and the preserved courtroom are highlights. However, the lack of on-site parking and less-than-ideal public toilet facilities are noted drawbacks.

"It’s free, friendly service, informative, small, clean, cosy. No visitors parking though, you will need to find parking on nearby streets.

If you have special needs, try contacting them prior visiting, they might be able to help with parking.

There are no toilets within the museum, only public toilets outside the museum, a few minutes walk.
Be aware, no hand soaps available, no toilet seats, there was someone living in one of the toilet when we were there. Honestly, not a very pleasant toilets."

J Tan

"Perth's oldest building, the Old Court House Law Museum, is a brilliant stop for history lovers. I found the exhibits on early WA law incredibly insightful, offering clear, evident-based glimpses into the past. It's fascinating to see how justice evolved. The building itself is beautifully preserved. It's Free entry! (donations appreciated)."

David Lee

"Very thoughtful museum that provides local/building history as well as that related to WA law and impacts on aboriginal peoples and women and children. Staff working was kind. Museum is free but donations are accepted and appropriate. :)"

Lindsey Freeman

What People Like

Free entry
Informative legal history
Historic building

What People Dislike

No visitor parking
Public toilet quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Perth, Western Australia. Public transport is a great option, with many bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, be prepared to find parking on surrounding streets as there is no dedicated visitor parking. Reddit

Unfortunately, there is no visitor parking directly at the museum. You'll need to find parking on nearby streets. Some visitors have noted that contacting them prior to visiting might help with special needs parking arrangements. Reddit

While the museum itself is accessible, parking can be a challenge. It's recommended to contact the museum in advance to discuss potential parking solutions or the best drop-off points. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Old Court House Law Museum is completely free! Donations are greatly appreciated to help maintain the historic building and its exhibits. InstagramReddit

The museum is typically open on weekends, making it a perfect outing. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit. Instagram

No, advance booking is not usually required as entry is free. You can typically walk in during their operating hours. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a fantastic opportunity for school groups to learn about Western Australian legal history. It's a place where mock trials were even held in the past! Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can explore the original courtroom, learn about the evolution of law in WA (including Aboriginal, British, and Australian traditions), and discover the history of Perth's oldest public building. InstagramReddit+2

It's a relatively small and intimate museum, focusing on quality over quantity. This makes it a perfect stop for a focused historical experience without feeling overwhelmed. Reddit

No, there are no toilets within the museum itself. Public toilets are available a short walk away, though some visitors have noted they are not always in the best condition. Reddit

It is Perth's oldest surviving public building, built in 1836. It served as a court, church, and meeting place, representing the convergence of Aboriginal, British, and Australian legal systems. InstagramReddit+1

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the historic courtroom and exhibits. Always be respectful of other visitors and any specific signage. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not have a cafe or dining facilities. However, being located in central Perth, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite before or after your visit. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to avoid eating inside historical buildings to preserve the exhibits. There are public spaces nearby where you could enjoy a picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The original courtroom is a prime spot for photos, capturing the essence of its historical function. The exterior architecture also offers great opportunities, especially highlighting its age and colonial style. Instagram

While personal photography is usually allowed, it's always wise to check for any specific rules regarding flash photography or commercial use. Sharing your experience on social media is encouraged! Instagram

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