Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
Since 2002 the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize has called for established and emerging artists to turn their gaze to the natural world. Named after the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse, this biennial prize recognises the long-running interplay between scientific research and the creative arts, from the illustrators and sculptors who help to describe and depict specimens, to contemporary artists who invite us to think about our environment and our impact on the natural world.
The shortlist for the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize has brought together a rich and diverse survey of works that map the intersection of nature, science, and art.
We look forward to sharing the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize exhibition from 10 April - 19 July 2026, at the South Australian Museum.
2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize
Click here to view the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize shortlist.
Image: The Ghosts of our Coastal Water by Deb McKay, Shortlisted artist, Open Prize
Grass tree – Growing together
Grass tree – Growing together exhibits a moving connection to nature, culture, and art, while speaking to the colonial tensions inherent in western traditions of natural history.
By Jenna Lee, Victoria.
Prize money donated by IAS Fine Art Logistics.
Coming Together
The understated beauty of Coming Together reveals a depth of meaning. Gall’s work finds the similarities between the process of 3D-printing, and the natural cycles through which shells are made.
By Andrew Gall, Queensland.
Prize money donated by Hill Smith Art Advisory.
Six is the loneliest number
It might be inspired by Australia’s loneliest tree, but visitors to South Australian Museum’s Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize have voted Six is the loneliest number by South Australian artist Jessica Murtagh as their favourite in the People’s Choice Prize sponsored by the K&S Langley Fund.