On North Terrace in central Adelaide, the South Australian Museum brings natural history and cultural collections together across five floors. Its Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery holds the largest collection of Indigenous Australian cultural material in the world, while other displays cover South Australian wildlife, fossils, minerals, Pacific cultures, Ancient Egypt and Antarctic exploration. Look for the giant squid, opalised fossils and the collection connected with explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. General admission is free, and interactive displays give younger visitors ways to engage with the exhibits.
A museum on North Terrace
The South Australian Museum is on North Terrace, among Adelaide’s cultural institutions. Founded in 1856, it has collections spanning natural history, science and culture. General admission is free, though some temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge. The museum’s displays include Australian Aboriginal and Pacific cultures, Ancient Egypt, fossils, minerals, meteorites, wildlife and polar exploration.
Five floors make it possible to follow your interests rather than take in every gallery at once. The displays range from specimens and historical objects to interactive elements. Families can also visit the Discovery Centre, which includes hands-on activities and displays such as fossils and frogs.
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery contains the world’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian cultural material. More than 3,000 objects are on display, including the culturally significant Yuendumu Doors. The gallery also uses old film footage and touch screens to share aspects of traditional dance and desert life.
Give this gallery time, rather than treating it as a quick stop between the natural history displays. Its objects, photographs and artwork present Indigenous cultures through material and visual records. The museum also has a permanent Pacific Cultures Gallery, with objects from the South Pacific Islands.
Fossils, wildlife and polar exploration
The natural history galleries range from South Australian biodiversity to ancient life. In the Biodiversity Gallery, displays cover local land and marine wildlife, with touch screens and interactive features. Fossils include a six-metre snake and a giant leaf-eating kangaroo; opalised fossils and minerals provide another reason to look beyond the animal displays.
The museum’s collections also reach into Antarctica. Look for the material connected with Sir Douglas Mawson and Australian polar exploration. Other highlights include whale displays, a giant squid and objects from Ancient Egypt. Temporary exhibitions change over time, so check the museum’s website if you have a particular exhibition in mind.
FAQ
Is entry to the South Australian Museum free?
General admission is free. Some temporary exhibitions may have an entry fee.
How long should I spend at the South Australian Museum?
Allow about two hours to explore. There are five floors of displays, so you may want longer if you plan to see them all.
What are the main highlights?
The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, South Australian wildlife, fossils, the Mawson and Antarctic displays, and the giant squid are among the key attractions.
Where is the South Australian Museum?
It is on North Terrace in Adelaide’s city centre.
