Naval Sea Power in Miniature opens at the WA Shipwrecks Museum

A really nifty Naval Sea Power in Miniature returns with its most ambitious exhibition yet

Naval Sea Power in Miniature opens at the WA Shipwrecks Museum on Tuesday 24 February, marking its most ambitious presentation to date.

The exhibition brings together more than 170 exceptionally crafted models by West Australian master modeller Gerry Westenberg, offering an exploration of 4,000 years of maritime history in miniature.

CEO of the Western Australian Museum Alec Coles said, “Gerry’s models are remarkable for their precision and scope. Created over fifty years, the collection is the culmination of Gerry’s tireless research, craftsmanship and dedication. It is a privilege to be able to show them.”

Tracing the evolution of seafaring from ancient Egypt to the present day, the exhibition brings together iconic vessels and pivotal moments in exploration, cruising, trade, conflict and discovery.

Anchored by the RMS Queen Mary and the British airship R101, visitors will encounter vessels ranging from the ancient Egyptian Cheops Royal Barge to the Tudorera Mary Rose, and Columbus’ Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria.

Here are a couple examples of what you’ll find in the exhibition.

Building on this sweep of global exploration, key Royal Australian Navy ships — including Sydney (I–V), Canberra, Anzac (I) and Arunta — appear alongside legendary Royal Navy vessels such as Dreadnought, Hood and Ark Royal.

The exhibition then dives beneath the waves, where submarines from the pioneering H. L. Hunley to the nuclear Vanguard SSBN class chart the evolution of underwater warfare. From there, VOC ships such as Vergulde Draek and Ridderschap van Holland illuminate early global trade, while flying boats such as the Catalina and Dornier Do 24 add an unexpected aerial dimension.

This is the fourth iteration of Naval Sea Power in Miniature and the first to be presented by the Western Australian Museum, in partnership with Gerry Westenberg. The exhibition has been made possible through the generous support of the D.G. Myers Fund and the Foundation for the WA Museum.

Visitors are invited to explore this remarkable collection firsthand and experience maritime history brought to life in miniature.

Details

Naval Sea Power is a free exhibition and is on display at the WA Shipwrecks Museum, 47 Cliff Street, Fremantle, from 24 February to 26 July 2026.

~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.

~ WHILE YOU’RE HERE –