Best Arts and Culture Places in South Australia

"One of the most visited in Australia and definitely among the top 10 things to do in Adelaide. With five floors of exhibits covering fossils, mammals, Ancient Egypt, special exhibition spaces and more plus Aboriginal and Pacific Cultures collections, the SA Museum offers plenty for young and old. With so many interactive hands on activities, Myla absolutely loved it here, she particularly loved checking out the various world mammals, learning about the various South Australian biodiversity and checking out the giant squid which spans across four floors dangling in an elevator shaft!"

"It is located on North Terrace between to State Library and the Art Gallery and it’s the one people mean when they say “The Museum”. The ground floor is always a favourite with kids. For as long as I can remember there has been a display containing full-sized animals from all over the world."

"Adelaide has quite a number of museums that you can visit with kids. Head to our museums in Adelaide resource to discover all the museums you can check off on your adventures."

"The Art Gallery of South Australia is home to a collection of more than 40,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, sketches, photographs, textiles and design masterpieces sourced from every corner of the planet, attracting 780,000 visitors per year. Founded in 1881, this gallery isn’t just the state’s premier collection of art, it’s also one of the most gorgeous buildings on Adelaide’s leafy cultural boulevard — North Terrace — perched right next door to the University of Adelaide. North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, +61 8 8207 7000"

"Explore the Art Gallery of South Australia with the kids in Adelaide, with over 45,000 works of art and changing exhibitions on display, it’s a great way to introduce contemporary and historical art to your children. Start at the Gallery is an exciting introduction to art for children aged 3-12 and their families. Held on the first Sunday of every month from 11am-3pm, Start is a free family-fun day and includes art activities, tours, live performances and entertainment."

"Dedicated to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art & culture, Tandanya showcases stunning pieces from artists across Australia. If you’re tight on time and still want to surround yourself with this magical artwork, then modern technology is here for you. Their ‘Virtual Tandanya’ is a 360 experience where you can ‘walk’ around at your own pace and discover details from pieces."

"It is an aboriginal owned and operated art centre, the oldest of its kind. It has been in operation for almost three decades, and the museum displays interactive exhibition dealing with the stories of the First people."

"These are studios built purposely to train designers and artists in glass, furniture, ceramic, metalwork, and jewellery making. While it may not be a traditional museum, its retail and exhibition space displays premium contemporary art, some of which ranks as best in Australia. The government funds the organisation, and there are also galleries at the North Terrace and Seppeltsfield where objects and arts made from the studio are put on display."

"A creative hub of design, Jam Factory not only supports and promotes contemporary Australian Craft and Design through training and workshops – they also display it in their gallery and sell it in their shop. Focusing on ceramic work, you’re guaranteed to find something delightfully different to take home. 19 Morphett Street, Adelaide"

"At Adelaide’s premier contribution to the trend for rooftop bars, you can chill over post-work drinks during the week or push the boat out at weekends. This award-winning venue also features dramatic views of the CBD and even an opportunity to buy some art on your way out."

"We have grown up surrounded by the great Australian desert which has been lived in and navigated by Aboriginal people for so long."

"Part gallery, part historical museum; the foundation was established in 1999 and holds an exceptional collection of antiques, paintings and objets d’art accumulated and preserved for future generations. Check out the website for the latest exhibition information and for a taste of the antique treats you can expect on your visit. 241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide"

"The lovechild of the individually brilliant Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia and the Australian Experimental Art Foundation, this was the merger to fulfil the needs of art lovers everywhere. Exhibiting contemporary art exhibitions by local, national and international artists, ACE Open always hosts all kinds of programmes and initiatives like talks, events and workshops. Encouraging artists to experiment and innovate in their work, this gallery aims to forge the future of the art world with the transformative and experiential, hosting exhibitions and productions across multitudes of disciplines."

"You can’t miss the yellow paint oozing out of the windows of the Lion Arts Centre in the West End of Adelaide, giving visitors a hint of the artistic creations that lie within its four walls. ACE Open provides the best space in Adelaide to showcase emerging and established contemporary artists, embracing a diverse array of creatives throughout its year-round program of free exhibitions."

"Southwest Contemporary has that Instagrammable neon sign and a sleek interior. It’s a small, minimalist exhibition space with only five projects per year, and is dedicated to exhibiting artists whose work isn’t getting recognition elsewhere. The practise is edgy, experimental, and curated by two seasoned artists who wanted a gallery space with the freedom and liberty to display the art and artists they wanted to show."

"Nexus Arts describe themselves as pioneers in diversity, which is true when looking back at their history. Founded by the Multicultural Arts Workers Committee, today Nexus Arts continue the ethos of their past, by advocating for the inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse art and artists. They also provide community groups with opportunities to present visual arts, performances and special programs and projects."

"The Lion Arts Centre is also home to the artists’ collective known as Nexus Arts, which advocates for the inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse artists. The collective was born in 1984 as the Multicultural Arts Workers Committee, and today gives community groups the opportunity to present their visual arts, performances and special projects in a quality inner-city space."

"If you’re planning on also having your ceremony in Veale Gardens, then you will need a permit from the council, but if you’re just looking to have your photo shoot done, then no such permission is needed. Located in the southern park lands, Veale Gardens boasts beautifully manicured lawns and a man made river sweeping through the whole garden area. There are a number of different rock pools that also make for a great setting for wedding photography."

"This park in the heart of Adelaide’s downtown is a place where people can relax for a few moments, take some time out or have a cafe in the amid the vegetation. Covering over 50 hectares, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is the biggest greenhouse in the southern hemisphere. The park host many events such as festivals and concerts all year long."

"The new and accessible nature playspace at Wittunga Botanic Garden is the perfect spot for kids to learn and play at the same time. The playspace was designed in collaboration with students from Blackwood Primary School. It includes a ribbed frog where children can experiment with music, a log scramble so they can hone in on gross motor skills, an in-ground wheelchair trampoline for children with accessibility needs and a rock mound complete with a play tunnel for kids to get an elevated view across the garden."

"Wittunga Botanic Garden is a little-known park in the suburbs. While it’s not as popular as the Mount Lofty or Botanic Gardens, there’s a peaceful tranquility here that’s hard to find elsewhere. Wittunga has a huge variety of native birds and animal life that are attracted to the indigenous flora."

"Situated in historic Port Adelaide, the Pirate Life Brewery is home to a stunning outdoor area and one of Adelaide’s greatest range of beers on tap with 24 varieties on offer. Behind a long-spanning polished concrete bar is Pirate Life’s monstrous brewery with gleaming stainless steel tanks to adore. With entertainment aplenty, including a 22-foot shuffleboard and pinball machines amongst other games, you will never get bored."