South Australian Museum

South Australian Museum Inspiring wonder and curiosity about life on Earth. It is a place where families can learn and grow together.
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The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 165 years. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance.

Ali Abdullah-Highfold knows only too well how important connection can be for Aboriginal people. Particularly for the ch...
01/06/2026

Ali Abdullah-Highfold knows only too well how important connection can be for Aboriginal people. Particularly for the children who are nowadays so cut off from family, community and Country.

A key driver of the Museum’s Aboriginal Family History Project, he’s helped thousands of people re-connect, often with very little to go on. Sometimes it’s the name of an aunty here, or a grandfather there. Sometimes, amazingly, he can just place a face.

“This information has helped families and communities understand their history, while reviving language and traditions," Ali said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following article contains images and names of people who are deceased. Read more about Ali's story 👉 https://bit.ly/4aeVpDV

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at the South Australian Museum this weekend.Visit the Australian Aboriginal Cultu...
29/05/2026

Celebrate National Reconciliation Week at the South Australian Museum this weekend.

Visit the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery – the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts and archival material in the world – and deepen your understanding of First Nations histories and cultures.

Explore the Wangka Walytja exhibition and learn more about the extraordinary achievements of the Papunya Literature Production Centre, which produced the first Pintupi-Luritja literature from 1979 to 1990.

You can also take part in our National Reconciliation Week program, including family-friendly activities in our Reconciliation Family Space and a new display exploring the Museum’s work in repatriation at the Wangayarta memorial park.

A new display has now opened in the Museum’s foyer to celebrate the spirit of reconciliation behind Wangayarta, an award...
28/05/2026

A new display has now opened in the Museum’s foyer to celebrate the spirit of reconciliation behind Wangayarta, an award-winning purpose-built memorial park dedicated to the reburial of Kaurna ancestral remains.

Wangayarta was developed by the Kaurna People together with the South Australian Museum. More than 580 Kaurna Ancestors have been repatriated at Wangayarta since it opened in December 2021.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'All In', a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to...
28/05/2026

The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'All In', a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day.

At the South Australian Museum, National Reconciliation Week is an invitation for us all to deepen our understanding of First Nations histories and cultures, while considering how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

The artwork featured is by renowned Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey, who applied his distinctive style to create a colourful and optimistic visual representation of people from all walks of life being ‘all in’ to make change.

Reconciliation Australia

26/05/2026

Meet Jasper Goldney, a finalist in the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize with the piece, Moth Brooches.

Inspired by South Australian moths, these brooches capture an extraordinary likeness of these gorgeous insects, using a variety of metalworking techniques that play with the limitations of colour.

Come see natural science through the eyes of an artist at the 2026 exhibition, on display now at the South Australian Museum.

The South Australian Museum Shop will be closed today and tomorrow, 25 and 26 May, for stocktake. The Shop will reopen a...
25/05/2026

The South Australian Museum Shop will be closed today and tomorrow, 25 and 26 May, for stocktake.

The Shop will reopen as usual from 10am, Wednesday 27 May. Thank you and we apologise for any inconvenience.

Researchers at the South Australian Museum have marked International Day for Biological Diversity with a rollcall of tax...
22/05/2026

Researchers at the South Australian Museum have marked International Day for Biological Diversity with a rollcall of taxonomical accomplishments over the past year.

From July 2024 to June 2025 alone, 147 species had been described by staff and honorary researchers in the Museum's Science Centre, which plays a key role in identifying new species and educating the public on their importance.

Senior Researcher for Marine Invertebrates Rachael King said this year's theme, Acting locally for global impact, perfectly reflected the team’s efforts.

“Biodiversity protection doesn’t start at global summits,” she said. “It starts with local knowledge and care.”

Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/43n2Rcp

Peter Elliott may not like to admit it, but the mineralogist is at the heart of what it means to volunteer.He’s given hi...
20/05/2026

Peter Elliott may not like to admit it, but the mineralogist is at the heart of what it means to volunteer.

He’s given his time at the South Australian Museum as a volunteer in its Minerals Lab since 1984, and as an Honorary for the past 16 years.

In that time, he has identified 43 new minerals – including one named after him: elliottite.

Dr Elliott is being recognised this week along with 59 other volunteers and 31 Honoraries as the Museum celebrates National Volunteer Week (18-24 May).

Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/49EFjTU

Join us for World Environment Day as the Research and Collections Team from the South Australian Museum present short ta...
19/05/2026

Join us for World Environment Day as the Research and Collections Team from the South Australian Museum present short talks on their areas of expertise.

📅 Friday 5 June
🕠 9:30am to 12pm
📍 Hetzel Lecture Theatre, State Library of South Australia

From Aboriginal objects to ancient Arthropods and everything in between, nine eminent experts will take you deep into discovering what goes on in the Museum's Science Centre.

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North Terrace
Adelaide, SA
5000

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Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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