On North Terrace in Adelaide’s cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of South Australia brings Australian and international art together in a heritage building with a colonnaded sandstone facade. Its collection spans more than 45,000 works, from paintings and sculpture to textiles, ceramics and jewellery. Look for Australian landscapes and the gallery’s substantial Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, alongside European, Asian and North American works. General admission is free, and changing exhibitions and family activities add reasons to return. Allow about two hours to explore a selection of the galleries.
Art across cultures and centuries
Established in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia holds more than 45,000 works. The collection covers around 2,000 years and includes paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photography, textiles, clothing, ceramics, glass, metalwork, jewellery and furniture. Australian, European, North American and Asian art appear across the galleries.
Australian art is a particular strength, from colonial paintings to modern and contemporary work. Look for Australian landscapes and the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. European and Asian works offer a wider view of the gallery’s holdings, with both historic pieces and contemporary installations on display.
A heritage building with changing displays
The gallery stands on North Terrace, between the South Australian Museum and the University of Adelaide. Its sandstone facade and colonnaded portico give way to multi-storey galleries, where older and newer spaces sit side by side. The building is part of the visit: take time to notice how the classical exterior contrasts with the modern rooms inside.
Displays range from traditional paintings to abstract sculpture and contemporary installations. Some works are permanent, while special exhibitions bring new material into the gallery. The programme includes the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art, held every two years, the Ramsay Art Prize for artists under 40, and Tarnanthi, a festival of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Check the gallery website for what is on during your visit.
Family activities and gallery programmes
Children can take part in art activities rather than only looking at works on the walls. The Studio is a creative space where children can draw, paint, weave and sculpt. Start at the Gallery is a free family programme held on the first Sunday of each month, with activities, tours and performances connected to the collection or current exhibitions.
The gallery also runs events for adult visitors. Friday Late is one option for an evening visit, while free guided tours and lunchtime talks provide more context for the collection. Programme details can change, so check the gallery’s website before setting out. General admission is free; some special exhibitions may have a fee.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is the Art Gallery of South Australia free to visit?
General admission is free. Some special exhibitions may charge an entry fee.
How long should I spend at the gallery?
Plan for about two hours to see a selection of the collection. The gallery holds more than 45,000 works, so a longer visit lets you explore more rooms.
What can children do at the gallery?
Children can use The Studio for creative activities, including drawing, painting, weaving and sculpting. Start at the Gallery is a free family programme held on the first Sunday of each month.
Where is the Art Gallery of South Australia?
It is at 490 North Terrace, in Adelaide’s cultural precinct, between the South Australian Museum and the University of Adelaide.
