Top Museums in 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.

Rodney Fox Shark Experience Museum

Overlooking Glenelg beach, the Rodney Fox Shark Experience Museum  pays homage to the shark. Ironically, it was only a short distance from here where Rodney was savaged by a shark in 1963. This marine museum promotes respect and understanding of the behavior of sharks. Rodney Fox's amazing life, producing documentaries and movies for National Geographic and Universal Studios, is highlighted on film. Exhibits, models and photographs depict his fascinating underwater adventures. The nautical-themed gift shop also serves as booking center for underwater shark watching excursions with Rodney and Andrew Fox - something for the true adventurer. The museums is currently closed check the website for more details on when it re opens.

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.

Classic Jets Fighter Museum

This rather different museum is no rusty collection of ancient war planes, but a busy restoration workshop staffed by volunteers. Current displays at Classic Jets Fighter Museum, taht  visitors can touch and feel include military jet aircraft built between 1950 and 1980. You can even squeeze into the confines of a real jet fighter cockpit! The museum contains engines, flight-suits, photos and historical aviation artifacts.

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.

Boomerang Art- Adelaide Gallery

This seaside gallery exhibits Aboriginal artworks.All works are available for sale and each work of art comes with a certificate of authenticity, as well as information about the artist. On-line shopping is available via the web site, and insured delivery can be arranged to destinations worldwide.

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.