Arts & Culture

South Australia is rich in arts and cultural experiences. Stroll along tree-lined North Terrace in Adelaide, home to many of the state’s historical treasures.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Established in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia houses an impressive collection of over 45,000 works spanning Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia. Noteworthy for its Indigenous and Islamic art, the gallery presents carefully curated exhibitions offering unique, culturally and thematically insightful experiences from art history to the present day.

South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum boasts world-class natural history and cultural collections. Home to the world's largest Australian Aboriginal cultural material, the Museum features the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery and various galleries on Pacific Cultures, Megafauna, Opalised Fossils, Polar, Ediacaran, Minerals, and Ancient Egypt. The Discovery Centre on level one offers direct access to collections with staff assistance.

State Library of South Australia

As South Australia's information hub, the State Library on North Terrace is open seven days a week. Explore all three buildings including the contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing, the Victorian Mortlock Wing, and the heritage-listed Institute Building. See items from the State Library's collections showcased in exhibition bays lining our magnificent heritage-listed Mortlock Chamber and the stunning Treasures Wall in the contemporary Spence Wing.

Parliament House

One of Adelaide's most imposing buildings with ten Corinthian columns. Located in the Adelaide city center on the corner of North Terrace and King William Road, Parliament House serves as the seat of the Parliament of South Australia. Built in stages from 1874 to 1939 to replace the overcrowded "Old Parliament House," guided public tours are available on weekdays at 10 am and 2 pm, excluding sitting days.

Migration Museum

Explore the rich history of South Australia by delving into the stories of its people and communities at the Migration Museum. Dedicated to preserving, understanding, and celebrating the state's diverse cultures, it offers a space to uncover the myriad identities through individual and communal narratives.

Ayers House Museum

National Trust property and colonial mansion with changing exhibitions. Ayers House, cherished for 160 years, holds a special place in South Australians' hearts. Acquired by William Paxton in 1834, it became Sir Henry Ayers' grand Colonial Victorian home in 1871, designed by architect Kingston. Kingston's influence extended beyond Ayers House to shaping Adelaide.

Tandanya - National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

Tandanya stands as the premier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Arts and Cultural organization nationwide. Dedicated to showcasing the diversity of ATSI arts, it fosters discourse through visual and performing arts, workshops, talks, forums, presentations, and film screenings. As a member of the National Indigenous Art Code, Tandanya upholds artists' relationships to industry standards in its Gallery Shop.

JamFactory Contemporary Craft and Design

JamFactory, a distinctive not-for-profit, champions the societal, cultural, and economic significance of craft and design. Over 50 years, it has supported innovative craft and design through studios, galleries, and shops. With a global reputation, JamFactory is a center for excellence, offering associate programs, independent studio spaces, and showcasing contemporary Australian craft practice.

MOD.

MOD. at the University of South Australia is a futuristic discovery museum, inspiring young adults aged 15+ about science and technology. With dynamic exhibition programs, it offers a free, interactive science experience for the general public, researchers, students, and industry. Located on Adelaide's North Terrace, MOD. features purpose-built gallery areas, a cafe, shop, and a lecture theatre, showcasing Australia's first Science on a Sphere.

Adelaide's Art & Culture Trail

Visit the cultural heart of Adelaide, follow self-guided trails to discover insights to hidden gems and treasured favourites that add to the rich and unique culture of Adelaide. Public Art Trail, Live Music Trail, Performing Arts Trail and the Design, Architecture and Makers Trail.

Many of the museums and galleries charge no admission and have exhibitions, tours and lectures.

The state’s flagship performing arts companies are the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the Australian String Quartet, State Theatre Company of South Australia, State Opera of South Australia, Australian Dance Theatre and the major performance venue is the Adelaide Festival Centre on the banks of the River Torrens.

The Cedars in the Adelaide Hills, is the home, studio, and garden of Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), one of Australia’s most famous and best-loved artists, are open to visitors.

Find out what's on in Adelaide and South Australia - gigs, performances, concerts, plays, dance, cabaret, comedy and musicals.