What’s on at the SA Museum | South Australian Museum | Adelaide
Looking to find out what’s on at the South Australian Museum?
There’s a mix of exhibitions, school holiday activities and hands-on workshops happening, plus plenty of free displays you can explore at your own pace. Current highlights include the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, Curiosity Lab sessions for kids, and special holiday programming running through April.
Whether you’re popping in for an hour or planning a full day out, it’s an easy way to keep kids curious and entertained – with something new to discover each visit.
What’s on at the SA Museum?
What’s on during the Spring School Holidays
See nature in focus these October school holidays at the South Australian Museum. With plenty of fun things to see and do, there’s something for everyone. The Museum is open every day of the school holidays from 10am to 5pm.
Free experiences on offer:
Aussie Doco Discovery Trail
Go on an adventure through the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery and discover some fun facts about Australian wildlife with six Aussie animals to discover.
Nature Origami
Take a moment to relax and get hands-on with nature as you learn how to fold origami animals inspired by our Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Meet the Residents of the Discovery Centre
Don’t miss your chance to hear more about some of the residents that call the South Australian Museum home.
Families and kids can book in for one of the museum’s ticketed workshops and experiences:
Kids Photography Workshop (ages 6-13)
Atkins Lab will share all the tricks of the trade from finding the best lighting to framing your shots like a pro, to help make the most out of your smartphone camera.
2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition (all ages)
Come and see nature up close through 100 stunning images by professional, emerging and junior photographers. This breathtaking exhibition allows us to witness the unique beauty of the flora, fauna and landscapes around us.
Create a Pin Hole Camera (ages 5-12)
Discover the fascinating art and science of photography by building your own pinhole camera, allowing you to create unique, dreamy images without the need for lenses or expensive equipment.
Paint and Plants (ages 5-12)
Let your imagination grow wild and personalise your own plant pot. Guided by our friendly Museum team, you can then choose a native wildflower, Everlasting Daisy or bush tucker seed bomb as your floral foundation and to watch nature grow.
Pacific Cultures Gallery Closure
The Pacific Cultures Gallery will be closed for conservation work from Monday 3 August 2026. The process is part of a strategic move to protect this extensive collection for the enjoyment and education of future generations. The revitalised Pacific Cultures Gallery will reopen after the completion of the conservation program, with stronger community voices, storytelling, and broader representation of Pacific cultures. Papua New Guinea is proud to be part of this ongoing initiative over the next three years.
NAIDOC Week at the South Australian Museum this year will be marked with a free exhibition celebrating 50 Years Deadly.
50 Years Deadly, which includes an extensive display in the Museum’s foyer and supporting exhibition in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, features the NAIDOC Week posters dating back to the commemoration’s inception in 1975. Each poster represents a different era of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism.
On display until 27 September 2026
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2026 | SA Museum | 29 Aug – 14 Feb 2027
Sensory-Friendly Evening | South Australian Museum | 11 Sep 2026
What’s on at the SA Museum | South Australian Museum | Adelaide
Explore the South Australian Museum | Review
The Crocodile Club | Free Early Learning Program at SA Museum
South Australian Museum Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is a special place for people of all ages to feed their curiosity with endless wonders to discover – like insects, fossils, meteorites and even a beehive.
It is open to the public from 10:30am to 2:30pm on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cost: FREE
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE SA MUSEUM HERE
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For more information and all enquiries please visit the South Australian Museum website
What: What’s on at the SA Museum
When: Open daily: 10am to 5pm | Anzac Day: 12noon to 5pm | Closed: Good Friday & Christmas Day
Where: The Museum is located at North Terrace, Adelaide, next to the Art Gallery and the State Library.
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.
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