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.
While the Museum will be closed to the general public, essential service staff will continue to work in Museum buildings while others work from home.
The South Australian Museum aims to inspire in all people wonder and curiosity about life on Earth, and when we’re able to open again we’ll be here for you. In the interim there are many ways to stay connected with the Museum. I encourage you to visit our website and follow our social media for updates.
On behalf of the South Australian Museum I thank everyone in the community for your loyalty and understanding, and wish everyone well during this challenging time.
For further information about COVID-19 the following sources are available:
Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019
www.healthdirect.gov.au
Brian Oldman
Director, South Australian Museum
Is the South Australian Museum open?
No. 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 – temporarily closed to the public from 5.00pm, 25 March 2020. This action was in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19.
While the Museum is now closed to the general public, essential service staff will continue to work in Museum buildings while others work from home.
Are there any changes to the operations of the Museum Shop or Café?
Yes. As the Shop and Café are housed within the Museum building they are, unfortunately, temporarily closed.
Is the Discovery Centre open?
The Discovery Centre is temporarily closed to the public, but is still available to identify objects. Simply email photos to our Facebook page, text us a picture on 0411 659 261 or email discovery@samuseum.sa.gov.au. You can also call the Centre on 8207 7404 or 0411 659 261 11am-4pm from Monday to Friday.
Please note that we are unable to accept donated objects through the Discovery Centre at this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
In the meantime we continue to take care of our much-loved animals in the Discovery Centre, with staff going in every day to feed and water them and check on their welfare.
Are the Museum’s public programs going ahead?
No, in response to the Federal Government’s announcement regarding any non-essential organised public gatherings above 500 people and any indoor gatherings of 100 or more people, the decision has been made to cancel all public programs until 30 April 2020. This includes:
Picnic with your Pooch with the RSPCA
VIP Makers Dinner (Tasting Australia)
Limelight: Producers’ Market at the South Australian Museum (Tasting Australia), 2020
Young Explorers April
Makers at the Museum
April school holiday program
Autism-friendly family morning
The Shadow Initiation
School bookings
Can I reschedule my booking now?
No. We are not taking any bookings until after 30 April 2020 at which time we will review the current COVID-19 advice and revise our public programming.
Will the Museum extend the Dogs: a story of our best friend exhibition?
We're hoping to extend it but it's difficult to say at the moment. We'll keep everyone up to date on our website and via our newsletter.
In the meantime, if you pre-purchased a Dogs exhibition ticket and would like to obtain a refund, please contact our Shop via shop@samuseum.sa.gov.au.
Are there any changes to Venue Hire?
The Museum has proactively contacted clients to postpone booked events. While we are unable to show event sites to you in person we have a broad suite of photos of the spaces available, and are taking bookings for events scheduled to take place from 1 October 2020.
To discuss your event needs and how we can make your future event alive with wonder please email functions@samuseum.sa.gov.au.
What is the Museum doing about its partnerships and sponsorships?
Our partnerships are fundamental to many of the Museum’s core activities, and so we are working to keep our partners informed, consulted and to plan together for activities from 2021 onwards.
Are there any changes to Museum Memberships?
The Museum’s Membership team is communicating with Members and working remotely with teams across the Museum to plan for our 2021 Member program. We are also preparing a continuity plan for members to ensure their benefits are honoured to the best of our abilities, and extended until we reopen.
What is happening with the Museum’s collections and research while the North Terrace building remains closed?
The Museum’s dedicated collection managers are continuing to care for each collection and research has not been interrupted, with scientists working both at the Museum’s facilities where appropriate, and at home.