Published on 04 June, 2020

Museum opens with help from best friends

After two months with its doors closed the South Australian Museum is gearing up to reopen this Queen’s Birthday public holiday. With an approved capacity of 80 people at one time, changes have been made to ensure a safe and comfortable visit for everyone.

South Australian Museum

Director Brian Oldman says, “Due to our revised capacity we’re very aware that visitors may have to queue on their arrival to the Museum. While we’ll try and make this process as smooth sailing as possible, we’d appreciate patience as we work our way through this new way of operating.” 

“The good news is, we’ll have lots to keep you busy on the Museum lawns while you wait starting with a smoking ceremony held by Uncle Mickey O’Brien, Senior Kaurna and Narrunga man, to acknowledge the recent and uncertain times that the pandemic has brought. It is important to cleanse the Museum as part of the reopening and to signify new beginnings for our community.”

“If you have to wait for entry into the Museum you can take in a free episode of Bluey, the popular family TV show on our big screen from the front lawns thanks to our friends at ABC Kids, BBC Studios and Ludo Studio. Our SAM Coffee Hut will open at 9am with puppucinos[BS(1]  and a BBQ will kick off from 11am. Plus, stop by the Museum tent and pick up some takeaway activities to do at home including colouring-in sheets.”  

Given the limited capacity inside the Museum galleries, the front lawns will be transformed into a social distancing dream with the help of Lange Signco who are painting large colourful triangles based on the Museum’s logo on the grass. In a first for South Australia, the initiative provides a visual guide to assist visitors to safely measure their distance from others while still enjoying the outdoor lawns.

“We’re very grateful for the generous resources loaned by our partner organisations including Adelaide Oval, the Adelaide Fringe, Novatech and Lange Signco,” Mr Oldman added

The Museum Alive series, a year-long program of free public activities on the Museum's North Terrace lawns, is made possible by Beach Energy. 

The Museum Café will also resume its indoor and terrace dining on Monday and the Museum Shop will reopen to share beautiful gift ideas and exclusive products you won’t find anywhere else.

Whilst the South Australian Museum has been closed it launched Content for Connection, a portal to the Museum’s stories, exhibitions, programs, research, and more, accessible from the comfort of home.

“We’ll continue to bring you this offering and we hope that it can spark wonder and curiosity however you choose to engage with us. In saying this, we understand that nothing compares to a visit to the Museum where your imagination can run wild exploring the wonders of our five floors. So, when you’re ready, come visit us,” Mr Oldman said.

Due to pup-ular demand the much-loved Dogs: a story of our best friend exhibition has been extended until 2 August and the spectacular McMahon Collection exhibition will also continue until 31 July.

Stay up to date by visiting our website: https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/visit/health-and-safety .

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