Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition | SA Museum | On display until 19 July 2026

Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition 2026.

Presented by the South Australian Museum, the prestigious prize celebrates artists who explore the intersection of art, science and the natural world, on display from until 19 July 2206. The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most prestigious art awards, both for its focus and prize pool. Produced by the South Australian Museum, it continues to attract artists from across the country exploring urgent environmental themes.

This biennial prize provides an opportunity for artists to investigate the world around them and present their perspectives on natural science. The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize commemorates the South Australian Museum’s first curator, Frederick George Waterhouse. It encourages artists to make a statement about the scientific issues facing our planet and offers a valuable platform for them to contribute to the environmental debate.

Over the years the competition has become a much-loved fixture on the arts calendar, allowing artists and audiences to explore natural science through a range of creative outlets.

The winner of the 2026 Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is artist Deb McKay who produced a powerful and thought-provoking sculpture, The Ghosts of our Coastal Water, a delicate yet confronting porcelain piece that captures the devastating impact of South Australia’s ongoing algal bloom on marine ecosystems. Inspired by firsthand experiences on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, McKay described the piece as deeply personal. During a family trip, she witnessed significant changes in wildlife, alongside reports of mass fish and ray deaths – moments that directly informed the tone and visual language of the work.

The Emerging Artist category was awarded to Kat Parker from Shepparton, Victoria, for her poignant sculpture Discarded (Christmas Island Pipistrelle). The life-size hanging work depicts the now-extinct bat species frozen mid-flight, drawing attention to biodiversity loss and the often-overlooked species already lost to human impact. The Christmas Island Pipistrelle was last recorded in 2009 and has not been heard since.

All finalist works, including the winning entries, will be on display at the South Australian Museum from Friday 10 April to Sunday 19 July 2026.

Tickets:

• General Admission | $15
• Concession/student/senior | $12
• Children 12 years and under | FREE
• Museum Member | FREE 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS

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What: Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition

When:  Friday 10 April to Sunday 19 July 2026

Where:   South Australian Museum | North Terrace, Adelaide

Who:   Everyone

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: supplied

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