As part of a significant site redevelopment, St John WA engaged Creative Spaces to reimagine and revitalise the exhibition space at the St John WA Museum. The challenge was clear: transform a static, traditional display into a dynamic visitor experience that reflects the organisation’s legacy while embracing future possibilities.
Unlike standalone cultural institutions, the museum is embedded within the broader operations of St John WA—an essential provider of First Aid training and ambulance services in Western Australia since 1891. The collection houses a compelling archive of objects, photographs, and documents that speak to the organisation’s 130-year contribution to the state’s healthcare system.
Previously displayed in conventional glass cabinets, much of the collection was underutilised and difficult to engage with. Early consultation revealed the need for a flexible, multi-functional space that could evolve with changing audiences and organisational needs.
Creative Spaces responded with a contemporary design approach that prioritised accessibility, adaptability, and deeper audience engagement. Key artefacts were selected to support a curated set of narratives, while digital and interactive features were embedded throughout the space. Touchscreens, video content, and hands-on activities offer multiple pathways into the story, encouraging visitors to explore the organisation’s history—and its continuing relevance—in new and meaningful ways.
The redesign strikes a deliberate balance between heritage and innovation. It invites the community to reflect on St John WA’s enduring values while looking ahead to the future of care and service. This modern, interpretive experience now serves as a welcoming space for staff, volunteers, students, and the wider public—reinforcing St John WA’s vital role in the fabric of Western Australian life.
