The Museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 find out more

Alive with

wonder

Following direction from the Federal Government and the South Australian Government, the state’s major cultural institutions – South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia and Art Gallery of South Australia – will temporarily close to the public from 5.00pm today, 25 March 2020. This action is in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19.

Exterior photo of the heritage component of the museum with a jacaranda tree in front of it

Health and safety

COVID-19: Advice for visitors

Following direction from the Federal Government and the South Australian Government, the state’s major cultural institutions – South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia and Art Gallery of South Australia – will temporarily close to the public from 5.00pm today, 25 March 2020. This action is in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19.

Here’s what's on at the Museum right now

Take a virtual tour of the Museum!


Life-changing research, right here at the Museum.

Most visitors to the Museum’s galleries and exhibitions on North Terrace, in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, will be totally unaware of the dedicated team of scientists and anthropologists who conduct natural history and cultural research, publishing their discoveries in peer-reviewed national and international journals, book chapters and scholarly books. 

South Australia’s Museum

The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 150 years.

It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance. It is a leader in remote and regional community engagement, and in Australian Aboriginal heritage and scientific research.

Museum collections

The South Australian Museum houses over four million specimens and material cultural items. These specimens and items provide irreplaceable records with which we are constantly building and modifying our knowledge and understanding of the natural and cultural world.

They are a vital part of Australia’s national heritage and play an integral role in the international scientific and anthropological communities' endeavour to document our world.

The South Australian Museum acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.