The majestic former asylum building on Ord Street is one of Fremantle's most significant landmarks. Built by convicts in the early 1860s to house the 'insane' and later used as a women's home, midwifery training school and American military base, it is now home to the Fremantle History Museum - a museum of the social history and heritage of Fremantle and Western Australia. The Museum features a fascinating programme of changing exhibitions with emphasis on social history and the diversity of people's lives. Foundations of Fremantle Follows the changing face of Fremantle and details some of the events and people that have shaped this thriving city. Travelling Exhibitions Gallery Houses a range of chaning exhibitions.
Admission is by donation .
During each school holiday period the Fremantle History Museum offers activities for children. There is a small charge for craft activities. Guided Tours Free tours of the building, with its fascinating history and resident ghost, are conducted daily. Disabled Access is available to the ground floor exhibitions only. However, exhibitions on the first floor can be viewed on a video monitor located on the ground floor.