For a small city Adelaide has serious cultural cachet.

Adelaide punches above its weight with an array of museums and galleries from cutting-edge space innovation and First Nations culture. The east end of North Terrace is the perfect place to kickstart a day of museum and art experiences before continuing toward the West End for more.

Here’s a guide to a few of the must-visit Adelaide art galleries and museums to visit during your stay in the city of churches.

In short

If you only visit one cultural institution in Adelaide, make it the Art Gallery of South Australia on North Terrace to view the impressive and varied collection of works by First Nations artists.

1. Art Gallery of South Australia

Just a 10-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens on North Terrace, the Art Gallery of South Australia is home to one of Australia’s largest collections comprising 47,000 works of art spanning 2000 years.

Tarnanthi Festival is a highlight in AGSA’s cultural calendar, celebrating contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The gallery attracts world-class touring exhibitions while the longest-running survey of contemporary Australian art, the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art is an important date on the nation’s art calendar.

Join the Tuesday lunchtime talks where experts delve deeper into the current exhibitions and the kids can make their own masterpieces in the dedicated kids room. Time a visit on the first Friday of the month when AGSA opens late and you can welcome the weekend with live music and the local arts crowd.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide

2. MOD Museum of Discovery

Immersed within Adelaide’s BioMed centre is MOD Museum of Discovery, a future-focused space at the intersection of science, art and innovation.

Ideal for older children and curious adults, MOD features interactive exhibitions on big topics from climate crisis to democracy inviting visitors to engage their imagination and critical thinking.

Address: Kaurna Country, University of South Australia, North Tce adjacent to the Morphett St Bridge, Adelaide

3. Australian Space Discovery Centre

The small but mighty Australia Space Discovery Centre is found in Lot 14, Adelaide’s technology and innovation district, showcasing the state’s key role in the field.

Talks from astronauts and space scientists will spark visitors’ curiosity, showing how much we rely on space in our day-to-day lives. While the science can be complex, children and adults alike will learn through the impressive hands-on exhibits like driving a Mars Rover simulator or tracking space junk. Visitors can also sneak a peek into the first publicly viewable Mission Control Centre in Australia.

Address: Lot Fourteen Ground floor, McEwin Building Cnr Frome Road and, North Terrace, Adelaide

4. Adelaide Gaol

For lovers of dark histories, the Adelaide Gaol built in 1881 and closing in the 1980s is the perfect window into South Australia’s criminal past. An easy walk from Bonython Park tram stop on Port Road, visitors can choose a self-guided experience or a tour.

Are you brave enough for a night-time paranormal investigation? Or maybe an Escape Cell adventure, with three levels of difficulty on offer.

Discover the untold stories behind nine of the gaol’s convicted prisoners in the Mugshot Exhibition – many who were hanged for their crimes in the wing directly above.

Address: 18 Gaol Rd, Adelaide

5. JamFactory

This contemporary art and design space has two galleries showcasing a revolving selection of artists from silversmiths to furniture makers.

Go during the week to see artists at work, including their impressive glassblowing or peruse the gift shop for exquisite designer objects. Feeling creative? Sign up for one of their short courses including jewellery and metal making, ceramics and glass.

Opposite the Jamfactory is Nexus Art Gallery a multi-cultural visual arts and music space that is well worth exploring too.

Address: 19 Morphett St, Adelaide

6. ILA | Immersive Light and Art

Immersive Light Adelaide, or ILA, fuses creativity and technology to create immersive experiences in gallery exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. This cultural hub also includes the Aurora Lab events space downstairs which regularly hosts ILA’s signature The Immersive Table culinary dinners.

Next door, the Aurora restaurant offers seasonal sharing plates in an elegant setting or for something more casual, drinks and snacks are available in the Lab Garden.

Address: 63 Light Square, Adelaide

7. Planes, trains and ships

Whether you’re curious about boats, trains or planes, Port Adelaide has something for everyone, with a range of museums within easy walking distance. A 20-minute train ride from the CBD to Port Dock station makes Port Adelaide an accessible day trip.

South Australia’s rich seafaring history is celebrated at the Maritime Museum situated in an 1850s bond store while the Railway Museum has over 100 exhibits and a ride-on train for kids, and big kids at heart. Aviation enthusiasts will love seeing a Spitfire up close while listening to passionate tour guides at the SA Aviation Museum. Discounts are available if you visit more than one museum within a month.

8. Yitpi Yartapuultiku

Also in Port Adelaide on the banks of the Port River, this Aboriginal Cultural Centre took 30 years of planning with Kaurna Custodians as a place to heal the land and bring the community together to celebrate the region’s diverse culture and Kaurna heritage.

The sprawling property features activity and performance spaces, café, playground, native gardens and a beach to spot the river’s local dolphin inhabitants. Parking is available onsite or walk over from the Port Adelaide train station.

Address: 1300 Old Port Rd, Port Adelaide

Planning a trip to Adelaide? Check out more of our recommendations here:

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