The 7 Best FREE Museums in Adelaide

Visiting South Australia’s capital? You don’t need to blow your budget on things to see and do – discover the best free museums in Adelaide!

I absolutely LOVE visiting a city on a budget, and a big part of that includes finding things to do that don’t cost a penny. Luckily, Adelaide came through on the goods on my recent visit, with some fantastic free attractions that showcase the best of South Australian art, culture, history and science.

In this article, I’ve shared seven great museums in Adelaide that are totally free! I’ve also included the opening hours, approximate time to allow for your visit and other useful tips.

South Australian Museum

I’ll never be unhappy to visit a natural history museum – especially when it’s free entry and as comprehensive as the South Australian Museum!

Founded in 1856, the South Australian Museum encompasses five floors, with animal specimens from around the globe including mammals, birds and marine life. It’s also home to a comprehensive collection of fossils, ancient Egyptian artefacts and a Polar collection with historic gear and samples from early Antarctic exploration.

The area that particularly piqued my interest, though, is the galleries dedicated to Aboriginal culture. Filled with tools and day-to-day objects used by indigenous Australians, it’s a fascinating deep dives into how First Nations people lived, worked and built their society.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Founded in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia is Adelaide’s premier art gallery, with over 45,000 works in its collection.

The Elder Wing is home to a curated selection of Australian art, including works by Aboriginal artists and home-grown talent. In the Melrose Wing, international art takes the stage, with cross-cultural pieces inspired by art and humanity. The museum is also home to some larger exhibits, including a site-specific commission by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota.

I can be a little hit-and-miss with galleries I like and dislike, but the AGSA is actually one of my favourites in Australia. The diverse range of works, sculptures and creative displays make it a really engaging gallery. I also appreciated the amount of information provided about the works and their artists.

Visitor note: Large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed, but there’s a cloakroom available. I did have a small backpack, but it was fine as long as I turned it around to my front.

Migration Museum

Migration has played an essential role in Australia’s development, and the Migration Museum in Adelaide shines a spotlight on the cultural and societal contributions made by immigrants in South Australia.

Permanent collections include a deep-dive into 20th century migration; how 21st century migration has impacted South Australia’s present and future; and the impact colonisation and migration has had on indigenous Australia.

The musuem also offers a rotating roster of temporary exhibitions and events. When I visited, the Haza exhibit (pictured) unpacked the experience of migration through a short film by Adelaide artist Kate Kurucz, inspired by her Grandmother’s stories of moving to Australia from Hungary.

Centre Of Democracy

Tucked away through an unassuming side door in the Institute Building, this small space is well-used to spotlight the history of democracy in Australia through digital and physical displays. It’s a quick visit (I spent around 20-30 minutes here), but the Centre of Democracy is well worth checking out.

Artefacts and accounts detail how significant movements, groups and individuals have shaped democratic process in South Australia. From women’s rights movements to disability activism, the interactive space helps visitors understand how vital democracy is in modern society.

MOD. (Museum of Discovery)

The Museum Of Discovery is a futuristic, interactive museum bringing together art, technology, science and innovation. Part of the University of South Australia, the space showcases how their research is shaping how we see the world and informing future generations.

Although the museum is primarily aimed at young adults aged 15-25, the exhibits are enjoyable for all ages – as a 30-something, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive elements and visuals. The exhibits change annually – when I visited, the stars of the show were an interactive game and a ‘sniff test’ for nostalgic scents. At the centre of the museum , the ‘Science on a Sphere’ display shares data from around the world on impressive full-room sphere and touchscreen display.

Samstag Museum of Art

I didn’t quite make it to this one, but if you dig contemporary art, this one’s for you.

As a concept, the Samstag Museum of Art was first established in 1977 and has occupied various buildings under different names. The current incarnation in the University of South Australia was opened in October 2007, named after two university benefactors from the USA, Anne & Gordon Samstag.

Expect to see works from South Australian and national artists, with features from artists from further afield. Focusing on contemporary visual art, the museum also welcomes individual exhibitors from Adelaide and South Australia alongside their wider gallery collections.

Museum of Economic Botany

Part of Adelaide’s Botanical Gardens, the Museum of Economic Botany showcases the diverse ways in which plants can be used to create products, food, medicines and more.

With over 3500 specimens in the collection, the museum fills in the gaps on the journey from raw plant materials and their final product. From resins and oils to dyes and drinks, it’s a surprisingly fascinating insight into the natural origins of consumer products.