Museums are always a great addition to your holiday and the South Australian Museum is no exception. At this attraction, you'll see a whole array of historic and modern displays in the permanent galleries and touring exhibitions. As you make your way around, you'll learn more about the world and Australia.
Choose to discover the museum on your own, or take a free guided tour – these run every day from 11am during the week and at 2pm and 3pm in the weekend. If you want to take a tour, simply meet in the Main Foyer.
Old favourites
Pieces from the museum collection fill the permanent galleries. There's a diverse range, including real life specimens, throughout the rooms.
The Ancient Egypt gallery is one of the most popular in the entire museum. This display is one of the oldest – it's remained much the same since it was set up in 1939 and draws visitors back time and time again. Here you'll see all aspects of Egyptian culture from ancient times and religion to everyday life.
Visit the Australian Aboriginal Cultures gallery for a look at one of the world's oldest living cultures. The story of how they thrived in the harsh landscape thousands of years ago, and their adaptation to modern life, is told through numerous artefacts.
Another gallery that is a highlight is South Australian Biodiversity. In this gallery you can learn all about this area's wildlife and environment. There is a fascinating mix of hot and dry deserts to deep oceans rich with marine life.
There are so many examples of the natural and cultural aspects of the country, from the past to the present.
Upcoming events
There is always something exciting happening at the Museum. The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize 2014 runs from July 26 – September 7 and is an interesting blend of science and art.
This exhibition is a vivid display of the natural world and artistic creativity. The artists were encouraged to be bold with their works, making a statement about various scientific issues that we are facing today. This is a unique way that creative souls can speak up about what is happening in the environment.
Pieces from around the world are showcased, each one illustrating in a distinctive way, including paintings, sculpture and photography, how the world of nature can be incredibly inspiring.
On your way out
The cafe and shop are a great way to finish off your day. The cafe offers a relaxed environment with some tasty treats and drinks. If you happen to visit when the sun is shining, take the chance to sit outdoors. When it's raining, you can take a seat under the whale skeleton.
The shop offers a range of products that bring together education, creativity and fun – everything that the museum itself is. Take home a book, toys for the kids in your life or a poster. There are also handmade crafts that are beautiful and unique as well as jewellery.
Getting there
The Museum is easy to find, right on North Terrace in the centre of the cultural precinct in Adelaide. If you're travelling by Adelaide car rental, there is parking available on Kintore Avenue and Victoria Drive, as well as the Wilson's Carpark that is just across the road from the museum. If you choose the latter, get your ticket stamped at the Information Desk so you can get a discount.
Admission to the museum is free, but if you're wanting to go and see a special exhibition, you may have to buy a ticket. It's also open every day, from 10am-5pm, so you can enjoy what there is on offer no matter when you're in Adelaide.