West Australians have been given a first glimpse inside their new museum through an animated tour that provides an insight into the layout of exhibitions ahead of the expected opening in 2020.

Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman today launched the online “fly-through”, which he said shows the scale of the museum precinct and takes viewers on a journey from the city at Yagan Square into the heart of the museum.

Viewers are taken through the museum’s public spaces with glimpses into the new exhibition galleries, including a view of the iconic blue whale skeleton, which was a major drawcard at the former WA Museum.

Camera Icon The new museum will be three times the size of the original. Credit: image courtesy Multiplex, HASSELL+OMA

“It is really exciting to see the new museum come to life and for the first time view the spaces within this world-class project,” Mr Templeman said.

“The new museum is almost three times the size of the previous museum.

“This is a museum that all Western Australians can be proud of.”

The museum redevelopment, which blends contemporary architecture with historic buildings at the site, hit a major milestone this week with construction reaching its highest point and the final concrete floor poured on the fifth level.

“It is a magnificent project that will tell the story of Western Australia to the world,” Mr Templeman said.

“Major developments like the new museum, and the rejuvenation of the Perth Cultural Centre will significantly contribute to Western Australia’s thriving cultural life and contribute to our city’s social and economic growth.

“The new museum is on track to deliver exceptional visitor experiences within the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre.”

Camera Icon Concept images of what the museum will look like. Credit: Multiplex, HASSELL+OMA

WA Museum chief executive Alec Coles said Western Australia had so many amazing stories that were yet to be told.

“I don’t think the world knows enough about WA and it will once this is open,” he said.

“There is nothing quite like this happening at the moment. We have got an absolute signature building here and I don’t think there is a building like this in WA.

“The way it integrates with the historic buildings is extraordinary and we have had a lot of accolades about how that has been done.”

Construction is on schedule for the building to be complete in late 2019. The exhibition fit-out is due to be complete by late 2020.