The South Australian Museum is now open. Find out more

Alive with

wonder

Welcome back to your Museum! In response to the South Australian Government’s Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, the South Australian Museum has reopened to the public, with some small changes in place to keep you safe and well. From 29 June and in line with the Step 3 of the South Australian Government’s Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, the Museum will permit 1 person per 2 sqm to ensure that we adhere to physical distancing guidelines. In periods of peak demand, it may be necessary for us to institute timed ticketing for visitors and restrict all sessions to one hour.

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

Health and safety

COVID-19: Reopening advice for visitors

In response to the South Australian Government’s Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, the South Australian Museum is open.  

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone, you will notice some changes. From 29 June and in line with the Step 3 of the South Australian Government’s Roadmap for easing COVID-19 restrictions, the Museum will permit 1 person per 2 sqm. In periods of peak demand, it may be necessary for us to institute timed ticketing for visitors and restrict all sessions to one hour.

Australian cattle dog

Dogs: a story of our best friend

Dogs have been a much-loved part of our lives since we began to domesticate them more than 10,000 years ago, but how much do we actually know about our four-legged friends?

This exhibition explores the history of dogs from a scientific and cultural perspective. How did they evolve from wolves to our playful pals?

Check out digital interactives, watch short films highlighting the special bonds shared by owners and their dogs and wonder at historical and contemporary representations of dogs.

Exhibition extended until Sunday 2 August.

A child and mother looking at a fosil

Invest in wonder. Make a gift today.

We are dedicated to continuing to serve you in inventive and spirited ways, and now, more than ever, this would not be possible without your support.

The past few months have been extremely difficult for many institutions and the South Australian Museum is no different. Donations are essential to our sustainability, and will have an immediate and meaningful impact on all that we do.

All gifts, no matter the amount, are deeply appreciated and directly support the Museum’s mission to inspire in all people a wonder and curiosity about life on Earth.

South Australian Museum logo with colourful triangles

Content for Connection

Delve into our online portal, Content for Connection, and explore the wonders of the South Australian Museum.

Come behind the scenes and delve into our exhibitions, collections, research and resources through videos and activities.


Wonder with us here, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

#ContentForConnection

A Museum staff member showing a speciment to a young boy

Discover science and culture

Although our Discovery Centre remains closed, staff are still on deck to answer your questions.

COVID-19 has disrupted the way the Discovery Centre usually operates, but we are still available to answer your questions about natural history and culture - you can contact us on our Facebook page, text us on 0411 659 261, call us on 08 8207 7404 or email discovery@samuseum.sa.gov.au.

We love identifying specimens for you. Send us a photo, approximate dimensions and details about where you found it.

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.