Western Australia's new $400m WA Museum Boola Bardip, in the heart of Perth's Cultural Centre, has officially opened after four years of construction.

Charting the rich heritage of Western Australia (WA), the museum houses eight permanent exhibition galleries, a 1,000sq m special exhibition gallery, life-long learning studios and retail, café and public spaces.

The Museum has been conceived as a ‘collection of stories’ about WA's diversity, history and contemporary culture.

Designed as a joint venture by international design practices Hassell + OMA – and built by Multiplex – the new museum integrates five renovated and redeveloped heritage buildings with an entirely new building.

Boola Bardip means ‘many stories’ in Noongar language – one of the aboriginal languages spoken in the region.

The name was selected in consultation with the WA Museum Aboriginal Advisory Committee and the museum’s Whadjuk Content Working Group.

Western Australian Museum CEO Alec Coles said the museum is a landmark building within the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre precinct.

“The architectural team of Hassell + OMA and the contractors, Multiplex have produced a magnificent new building that embraces the heritage buildings within, whilst creating spectacular new experiences.

"It is a Museum of which I hope all Western Australians will be proud.”