Click image for Botanic Garden mapThe Pioneer Women's Memorial consists of an ornamental lake, sculpture and fountains located in the heart of the Western Australian Botanic Garden.
The iconic nine foot bronze sculpture was formally opened in January 1968, reputed to be the largest undertaken in Australia at the time. The very talented Margaret Priest was the first female sculptor to undertake public art works in Western Australia and assisted during the 2009 restoration.
The figure represents a mother with an infant in her arms, stepping forth to meet her destiny. It stands on a stepping stone in the pond surrounded by five other stepping stones and fountains, and is the centre piece of the Water Garden.
The symbolism of the three minute sequence of the water fountains begins with the bubblers representing bushes to be negotiated on the way to opening up land, rising to taller spouts representing trees around pioneer homesteads.
The Pioneer Women's Memorial transforms during the Summer Events Season in Kings Park to become centrestage and creates a magical setting for live concerts. While this venue is not available for hire, Peppermint Lawn is very close by and overlooks the memorial.
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