How to access the collections

The South Australian Museum Archives (Archives) is the custodian of collections that document our corporate history public engagement and research interests.

Temporary suspension of collection services

Access to the Collections of the South Australian Museum will be closed from late November 2023 while our staff undertake essential audit work.  During this time we will not be accepting acquisitions or requests for loan or viewing of collection items.

All pre-existing bookings and commitments made prior to December 2023 will be honoured.  We will also continue to honour requests from Aboriginal communities for access relating to repatriation activities.

This closure is expected to continue until mid-2024.

Our galleries remain open to the public, 10am-5pm every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Any questions can be sent to collections@samuseum.sa.gov.au

Prior to contacting the Archives, we suggest searching the website for collections that may be relevant to your request. The majority of the collections have not yet been indexed. A list of all the collections in our custody is available on the website. Please note that the majority of corporate records dating pre-1940 were transferred to State Records of South Australia.

Submitting a request for access to the collections

You will be required to provide your request in writing with the following details:

  1. The purpose of your research and the Museum collection/s you wish to access.  If you are unsure of which collections to access, then assistance will be provided. Please note that if your research relates to a native title claim or Aboriginal family history, then there are specific procedures which will be forwarded to you separately.

  2. Your name, organisation (if applicable), and contact details (postal address, telephone and email address).

  3. Any Archive collection numbers.

Once your request is received it will be assessed. If access is approved, then the following processes will take place:

  1. To view the archival material, an appointment will be made at least two weeks prior to your visit. The Reading Room is open between 10.00 – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

  2. If you require reproductions, then relevant forms will be completed. For collections relating to Aboriginal people you may need the written consent of a family representative or representative body relevant to the material before it is provided.

  3. Fees may be applied and if applicable then you will be invoiced. 

  4. Once the forms have been completed, and payment received the items will be supplied in digital format either via email, posted DVD, or Dropbox.

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