Tucked away behind the State Library on North Terrace you’ll find the home of South Australia’s Migration Museum.
This history museum tells the stories of the people of our State, from the early settlers in the 19th century to the refugees and asylum seekers in recent years. There are permanent exhibitions along with changing galleries to explore, such as Impact, the colourful works of art illustrating what immigration and colonisation has meant for Aboriginal people and Crossing Country: John McDouall Stuart, an inspirational tale of an explorer who succeeded in crossing our continent from sea to sea.
Children can learn about the lives of our settlers and their impact on Indigenous Australians. There are numerous foundation objects on display, such as those once owned by familiar names such as Colonel Light and Charles Sturt, prized possessions, journal pages to read and interesting details on what it was like for British settlers to pack up and move to South Australia.
Videos, photographs, historical documents and art works are beautifully displayed to give us an insight into immigration through the decades.
As you enter through the gates you’ll come across the Migration Museum’s Settlement Square. The pavers on the ground form a ‘Tree of Life’ pattern, engraved with the names, places of origin and dates of arrival of thousands of South Australian immigrants.
The Memorial Wall near the entrance acknowledges the fact that many of South Australia’s immigrants were forced to leave their homelands and seek refuge in Australia. The surrounding courtyard area has toilets, seating and lots of room to run around.
The Migration Museum works towards the preservation, understanding and enjoyment of South Australia’s diverse cultures. It is a place to discover the many identities of the people of South Australia through the stories of individuals and communities.
The Migration Museum houses exhibitions, education programs, talks, tours and more.
The Museum is open to the public on weekdays, weekends, school and public holidays (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday).
Entry is free.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Migration Museum website.
What: Migration Museum
When: Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm | Weekends and Public Holidays 1pm – 5pm
Where: 82 Kintore Avenue, Adelaide (see map)
Who: Everyone | Ideal for primary school ages
Image of painting credit (see below). All other images by Play & Go Adelaide 2013.
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.
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