Ever heard of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte? The wife to Napolean was a bit of a botanical revolutionary for her time, helping welcome in some of 19th century Europe’s most exciting scientific discoveries—and WA Maritime Museum has just scored the global debut of an incredible exhibition all about her.
An immersive light, sound and visual ode to one of history’s most intriguing women, Empress Joséphine's Garden explores the fascinating life of the multi-hyphenate across 360-degree lightscapes—plus a slew of events—and we’ve got the scoop on how to make the most of the exhibition while it’s here.
Scope The Installation
WA Maritime Museum has pulled out all the stops with the debut of Empress Joséphine's Garden. Putting the socialite and botanist under the microscope, step into Josephine’s life through digital projections, towering floral installations, epic narration and curated performances with a pop-up bar on Friday nights.
With three rooms across the exhibit—explore the exciting scientific developments she helped discover in the 19th century, sit among life-sized installations of her favourite flora, and wander through 360-degree projections of her expansive and exotic gardens at Chateau de Malmaison.
The Details
What: Empress Joséphine's Garden
Where: WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
When: Until 9 February
Tickets: From $15, available here.
Head To These Events
Joséphine’s Garden: Le Bar
Transport yourself to 19th-century France each Friday night until 15 November with Joséphine’s Garden: Le Bar. Each week will see a new French-infused local act entertaining your crew, alongside after-hours access to the exhibit and seasonal bites and bubbles.
Between small plates of French cheeses and vegetarian terrines, take a wander through the digital garden without the daytime crowds, before trying your hand at still-life drawing in the Sketching Salon.
The Details
What: Joséphine’s Garden: Le Bar
Where: WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
When: Fridays from 6pm - 8.30pm until 15 November
Tickets: From $25, available here.
The French Collection Film Festival
Get even more of a French fix and add exclusive showings of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon to your exhibition bookings throughout January. The 2023 adaptation chronicles the drama, romance, courtly intrigue, political upheaval, and the love of gardens and relationships that defined Joséphine’s world at Malmaison.
The Details
What: The French Collection Film Festival
Where: WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
When: 10, 12 and 19 January 2025
Tickets: From $15, available here.
Sunday Seminars: Joséphine And The French Expedition To Australia
Although best known as French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, Joséphine Bonaparte was a bit of an It Girl for the time. While glamming it up as a socialite, she was also an amateur botanist around Chateau de Malmaison, fascinated with discovering exotic flora and fauna for her gardens. She was even known to have an emu or two roaming the grounds.
If you’re curious for more insight, keep Sunday 24 November free, when WA Museum’s Sunday Seminars hand the floor over to industry professionals for a deep dive into Empress Joséphine's life, achievements and adventures. Pick the brain of Dr Paul Gibbard from the University of WesternAustralia, as he talks about Joséphine's early years, her unique collection of art, furniture, animals and plants, and her expedition to Australia.
The Details
What: Sunday Seminars: Voyages of Discovery
Where: WA Maritime Museum, Victoria Quay Road, Fremantle
When: Sunday 24 November from 2pm - 3pm
Tickets: Free to book here.
Take a wander through Empress Joséphine's Garden before it closes on 9 February 2025. Find out more here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by WA Museum and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.