Museums in Central Adelaide (Adelaide)

Ayers House

A grand colonial mansion named after its original owner and 19th century State Premier, Sir Henry Ayers, Ayers House Museum illustrates Victorian life as lived “below & above stairs”. A property of the National Trust of South Australia, the house contains beautiful, decorative painted finishes on walls and ceilings throughout. Of particular note are the sumptuous State Dining Room and the newly restored, rare underground Summer Sitting Room. The house is furnished with a superb collection of period furniture and decorative arts. Located in the thriving East End district of Adelaide, Ayers House is a historic mansion not to be missed. Disabled access is to the the ground floor only.

Art Gallery Of South Australia

Established in 1881 this historic and attractive building on leafy North Terrace holds one of the most extensive art collections in Australia. Rare and valuable pieces on a worldwide scale abound fine paintings by the masters, contemporary art and design, and sculpture. There are both regular and permanent exhibitions. Enjoy a coffee or light snack in the stylish cafe or peruse books of distinction highlighting all variety of artwork in the on-site book shop. Guided Tours are available.

West Terrace Cemetery Museum

Located in the grounds of Adelaide's most ancient cemetery, this modest little museum is well worth a visit if you are nearby. Exhibitions change periodically. Consisting mainly of story-boards, the displays depict fascinating profiles of the South Australian state politicians who influenced the formation of a nation at the turn of the 20th century. The museum is self-guided and free of charge.

South Australian Museum

With numerous tours, including a "Behind the Scenes" look, and some highly regarded collections, this museum has something for everyone. Serious students and wide-eyed novices alike will marvel at the collections, including those embracing Ancient Egyptian and Early Pacific cultures. This museum's piece de resistance is the largest collection of Aboriginal artifacts and archival material in the world. There is an on-site coffee shop, and the museum shop offers a good range of gifts, souvenirs and books.

Jam Factory Contemporary Craft And Design Centre

This is one of Adelaide's most prestigious galleries. A visit to this arts and cultural center is a must for anyone interested in local contemporary art with a difference. Walk through the exhibition space, which is regularly filled with exciting and distinctive work by local artists; craft, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics and design. The store strives for perfection with most of the work clean line and design oriented.

Museum of Classical Archaeology

Museum of Classical Archaeology's artifact's have been collected by The Classical Studies Department of the University of Adelaide, but are available for all to view. They provide a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans, from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. Marvel at the decorative pottery, glassware, stone carvings, oil lamps and writing materials from this fascinating civilization. There are over 1,000 coins on display, and a large-scale model of the ancient city of Athens, so you can see where the locals would have spent them.

History Trust of South Australia

The History Trust of South Australia is part of a directorate that helps run three of Adelaide's major museums: the Migration Museum, the South Australian Maritime Museum at Port Adelaide and Birdwood's National Motor Museum. The Trust is based in a grand old building used for hosting formal functions and occasional Royal Society art exhibitions. It is worth a visit if only to admire the decorative splendour of 19th century Adelaide. The Trust supplies pamphlets on historic sites, heritage walks and tours; and promotes events and current exhibitions. A small bookshop supplements the larger collection at the city's Migration Museum. Entry is free.

White Gloves Treasure Tour

You will not hear "don't touch" or "hands off" on this tour! In fact, you will be supplied with special archivists' gloves and encouraged to touch during White Gloves Treasure Tour a behind-the-scenes tour of the State Library of South Australia. Expert curators will guide you through precious explorer's artifacts, rare books, original hand-colored maps and children's games from South Australia's past. Tours include those of heritage holdings, Royal Geographical Society treasures, the Mortlock Library and those timed to coincide with special events. 

Tandanya

The only Aboriginal multi-arts complex in Australia, Tandanya was established with the aim of encouraging understanding through the Arts. A giant snake dot-painting adorns the footpath at the front of the building--which houses sculpture, murals, traditional and contemporary art works. Arrive at noon and you will hear the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo performed by one of the resident artists. Traditional dance, storytelling and didgeridoo performances can be arranged by appointment. An art and craft shop sells authentic Aboriginal works while the Tandanya cafe offers distinctive Australian "bush-tucker" food.

Hill Smith Gallery

Hill Smith Gallery is home to both local and national artists as well as contemporary and established ones. The eclectic collections include beautiful landscapes, interesting figuratives, thought-provoking still life and awesome abstracts. The artists represented here have carved a niche for themselves, each with a different genre and medium of expression. The varied themes, curious blend of colors and diverse mediums create a kaleidoscopic display. The gallery also provides a platform to artists to showcase their creative talents. Art lovers can select and purchase their favorites from the vast stockroom.

Opal Field Gems Mine and Museum

Opal Field Gems Mine and Museum is a store and museum and is considered as one of the best places to buy opal jewelry from. They also have a museum wherein they have re-created a real life opal mining cave. On the walls are different specimens of these gems and these studded walls make up the glittering interior. Do check out the world's largest opal specimen the 'dessert jewel' which is showcased here. Apart from jewels, one also finds the tools used by craftsmen to make opal jewelry in earlier times. Take a leisurely tour while the knowledgeable staff enlighten you on the process of mining and production of these precious stones.