GERRY WESTENBERG’S lifelong passion for building ships in miniature has rubbed off on the WA Museum, which is backing his latest and most ambitious exhibition at the WA Shipwrecks Museum.

Naval Sea Power in Miniature opened earlier this week, bringing together more than 170 meticulously crafted models charting 4,000 years of maritime history.

WA Museum chief executive Alec Coles said Mr Westenberg’s models were remarkable for their precision and scope.

• Model maker Gerry Westenberg with WA Museum chief Alec Coles. Photo supplied

“Created over 50 years, the collection is the culmination of Gerry’s tireless research, craftsmanship and dedication,” Mr Coles said.

“It is a privilege to be able to show them.”

The exhibition traces seafaring from ancient Egypt to the present day, spanning exploration, trade, conflict and discovery.

Among the centrepieces are the RMS Queen Mary and the British airship R101. 

Historic vessels range from the Mary Rose to Santa Maria, alongside Royal Australian Navy ships including Sydney, Canberra, Anzac and Arunta.

Submarines from the HL Hunley to the Vanguard-class submarine chart the evolution of underwater warfare, while Dutch East India Company ships and flying boats add further layers to the story.

This is the fourth iteration of the exhibition and the first presented by the WA Museum, supported by the DG Myers Fund and the Foundation for the WA Museum.

The free exhibition runs until July 26, 2026 at the Shipwrecks Museum on Cliff Street.