Empress Joséphine’s Garden – Immersive Exhibition | ILA | 11 Apr – 17 May 2026
Empress Joséphine’s Garden: A Stunning Immersive Exhibition Coming to ILA in Adelaide.
Step into a world of beauty, power and discovery at Empress Joséphine’s Garden, a breathtaking immersive exhibition arriving in Adelaide for a limited season.
Running from 11 April to 17 May 2026 at ILA, this one-of-a-kind experience brings to life the fascinating and often untold connection between Australia and France in the 19th century.
Designed as a 45-minute digital journey, Empress Joséphine’s Garden invites visitors to explore the extraordinary botanical world of Empress Joséphine Bonaparte.
Set within a spectacular space featuring over 110 square metres of wall-to-wall LED screens and more than 12.5 million pixels, the exhibition blends vivid storytelling with striking visuals to create a truly transportive experience.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll be immersed in the opulence of 19th century France – surrounded by projections, soundscapes and creative installations that extend far beyond a traditional gallery visit.
At the heart of the exhibition is the story of Joséphine’s passion for rare and exotic species.
Her famous gardens at the Château de Malmaison in Paris were home to an incredible collection of plants and animals sourced from around the world – including Australia’s south and west coasts.
Visitors will encounter:
- Rare and beautiful botanical specimens
- Native Australian wildlife like black swans and kangaroos
- The remarkable biodiversity that captivated European explorers
It’s a fascinating glimpse into a little-known chapter of history, where science, exploration and luxury intersected.
A Multi-Sensory Garden Experience
Beyond the digital displays, the Gallery space has been transformed into a stunning French garden inspired by the Napoleonic era.
Creative installations and projections bring Joséphine’s vision to life, allowing visitors to wander through a space that feels both historical and contemporary.
This combination of immersive technology and physical design makes it an engaging experience for adults and children alike.
Ticket Prices
- General admission: $25 + booking fee
- Concession (including children aged 5–15): $15 + booking fee
- Children under 5: Free
Session Times
Sessions run every 45 minutes from opening time.
10 – 26 April 2026
- Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 10:00am – 4:30pm (last session)
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 7:45pm (last session)
27 April – 17 May 2026
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00am – 7:45pm (last session)
- Sunday: 10:00am – 4:30pm (last session)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
For more information and all enquiries please visit the ILA website
What: Empress Joséphine’s Garden
When: 10 April – 17 may 2026
Where: 63 Light Square, Adelaide
Who: All ages
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: AGB Creative and Luke Riley Creative. Courtesy WA Museum.
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