The South Australian Museum in Adelaide showcases Australia’s people, history, and culture, with a focus on Aboriginal culture and the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts. The museum has two wings, one for geology and natural sciences, and one for local culture and social history. The Science Centre archive is open to the public, and entry to the museum is free with daily tours available.
The South Australian Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Adelaide, Australia. This five-story structure is filled with exhibits highlighting Australia’s people, history and culture. While all of Australia is represented within the museum, the emphasis is on Aboriginal culture. In fact, the South Australian Museum houses the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts anywhere in the world. This facility also includes a large research center and numerous training and enrichment programs.
In 1847 the South Australian Institute was founded in Adelaide. The Institute included both a library and a museum of regional history. One of the first curators of the structure was Frederick George Waterhouse, who had previously worked as a curator at the British Museum in London. Waterhouse immediately began a campaign to branch out the museum as a separate organization from the Institute. In 1939, the museum gained independence and the name was changed to the South Australian Museum.
The exhibits at the South Australian Museum are divided into two wings. The East Wing houses Aboriginal art and artefacts and focuses on local culture and social history. It includes exhibits such as a boomerang and traditional folk art. In the west wing, exhibits focus on geology and the natural sciences. Visitors can spot numerous gems and stones, including one of the world’s largest gold nuggets, along with the remains of dinosaurs and other ancient life forms.
The South Australian Museum also has a comprehensive archive called the Science Centre, which is open to the public Monday to Friday. At the Science Centre, guests can access original documents and artifacts, including an entire section devoted to the work of Douglas Mawsom. Mawsom was an Australian geologist who collected hundreds of natural artifacts and animal remains from Australia and Antarctica during the early part of the 20th century. His entire collection and all of his scientific research papers are kept in the archives.
Those on a budget when visiting Australia may want to take advantage of the free entry to the South Australian Museum. The facility is open seven days a week, and expert guides offer free daily tours of the various collections. While regular access and tours are free, guests should be prepared to pay for special events and some temporary exhibits. There is also a coffee shop and gift shop on site.
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