Enjoy fascinating displays without paying a cent at the best free museums in Adelaide!
Living in Adelaide means I get to geek out in museums whenever I want. Dinosaurs, space stuff, and vintage gadgets—it’s like a real-life version of clicking through Wikipedia, but with way cooler lighting.
And the best bit? A bunch of them are totally free. You can explore some of the best spots without spending a dime. It’s perfect if you’re trying to keep things budget-friendly but still want to see what this city is all about.
Since the search for fee-free museums is a bit of a pain, I went ahead and did the research for you. Hope you have a great time exploring them, because I’m pretty sure your wallet will!
South Australian Museum
– Photo credit: southaustralianmuseum
Website: https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
Address: North Terrace
Contact details: +61 8 8273 9100
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
I’ve visited the South Australian Museum more times than I can count. It’s free, central, and always worth popping into. It’s been around since the mid-1800s, and it’s packed with stories about Australia’s natural history and cultural heritage.
My favourite exhibit here is the Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Aboriginal cultural material. There’s also a gallery on Pacific cultures, making it a must-see for anyone interested in local history.
If you’re more into prehistoric life, the museum has opalised dinosaur bones and ancient sea creatures that are genuinely fascinating. Overall, there’s plenty to discover, so it’s best to set aside an entire afternoon to explore it all.
Pro tip: The South Australian Museum offers a free self-guided trail called Wonder, which is designed to help you hit the must-see objects, hidden gems, and quirky highlights across the museum. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want a curated route without needing a guide.
You can download the guide from this website.
Museum of Economic Botany
– Photo credit: botanicgardenssa
Website: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/
Address: Adelaide Botanic Garden, North Terrace
Contact details: +61 8 8222 9311
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If you ever find yourself at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, make sure to swing by the Museum of Economic Botany. The name might sound a bit dry, but the place is full of curious displays that’ll make you see the garden’s plants in a whole new light.
Inside, you’ll find artefacts that show how people have used plants across history. There’s the usual stuff like food and medicine, but also some unexpected examples like clothing, building materials, dyes, and even spiritual tools.
One thing that really stuck with me was their collection of papier-mache fruit models. They look strangely real, and I learned they were once used to teach farmers about different crops back when Adelaide was still finding its feet.
Pro tip: The Museum of Economic Botany often features temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. To check what’s currently on, just head to this website. And yes, these exhibitions are free too, so you can explore something new without spending a cent.
MOD. (Museum of Discovery)
– Photo credit: mod_museum
Website: https://mod.org.au/
Address: North Terrace, adjacent, Morphett St
Contact details: +61 8 8302 6663
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
The Museum of Discovery, better known as MOD., is a free museum that dives into science, technology, and what the future might look like. Most of what I’ve mentioned so far has focused on the past, but this place flips the script and looks ahead.
There’s always something fun and fascinating to check out, even if you’ve been here before. On my visits, I’ve seen talking robot heads, fish tank terrariums, and AI personalities that feel surprisingly lifelike.
They even have a huge animated globe that displays real-time weather data from around the planet. And since MOD. refreshes most of its exhibits every six months, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something new here each time you go.
Pro tip: Go midweek and aim for late morning. That’s when it’s usually quiet enough to really take in the exhibits without feeling rushed or crowded. You’ll have more space to interact with the installations, and the staff are often more available to chat or explain things.
Migration Museum
– Photo credit: migration_museum
Website: https://migration.history.sa.gov.au/
Address: 82 Kintore Ave
Contact details: +61 8 8151 3240
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
One of the things I’m proud of as an Aussie is that we’re a nation shaped by immigration, where people from all backgrounds are welcomed. That’s why I always encourage others to visit the Migration Museum and learn more about that story.
The museum focuses on how people came to South Australia and what they brought with them. It’s not just about dates and documents. You’ll find personal stories, old photographs, and even objects that reflect how migration shaped everyday life.
What I like most is how real it feels. I remember reading about a Latvian family starting a new life here, and another time I saw a display about how colonisation affected Aboriginal communities. It’s fair and thoughtful all the way through.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekend for a free guided tour. They run every Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM and 3 PM; no booking is needed. It’s a great way to hear deeper stories and get more out of the exhibits.
Art Gallery of South Australia
– Photo credit: agsa.adelaide
Website: https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/
Address: 490 North Terrace
Contact details: +61 8 8207 7000
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If art is more your thing, you’ll be glad to know the Art Gallery of South Australia is free to visit all year round. It’s right on North Terrace, between the South Australian Museum and the University of Adelaide, and the building itself is a real standout.
The gallery opened in 1881 and now holds nearly 45,000 works, making it one of the biggest collections in the country. You’ll find European paintings, bold contemporary pieces, and even powerful collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
With such a great mix. I find myself coming back every now and then. And since they regularly feature temporary exhibitions, there’s almost always something fresh to see whenever I drop by.
Pro tip: You can easily check which temporary exhibitions are currently showing at the Art Gallery of South Australia through this website. It also lists upcoming exhibitions, so you can plan your visit around the ones that catch your eye.
Samstag Museum of Art
– Photo credit: samstagmuseum
Website: https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/samstag-museum/
Address: Hawke Building, City West campus, 55 North Terrace
Contact details: +61 8 8302 0870
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
Another art museum you should definitely check out is the Samstag Museum of Art. It’s located inside the University of South Australia’s City West campus and first opened in 2007 to highlight some of the best contemporary art in the region.
There are three gallery rooms spread across two levels, each featuring a rotating lineup of temporary exhibitions. I really appreciate that they don’t keep any permanent displays, which means every visit offers something completely new.
One thing that stands out about this museum is how bold the programming can be. A recent exhibit I found especially engaging was Direct, Directed, Directly. It dives into the quirks of communication, showing just how layered and unpredictable it can be.
Pro tip: Visit on a Wednesday morning between 10 AM and 12 PM for a sensory-friendly session. During this time, the museum lowers audio levels and creates a quieter, more relaxed environment. It’s perfect if you prefer a calm space to take in the art without distractions.
Gamble Cottage
– Photo credit: cityofmitcham
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/gamble-cottage/
Address: Blackwood SA 5051
Contact details: +61 474 066 776
Operating hours:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Curious about what life in Adelaide’s early days was like? Gamble Cottage is a great place to start. It’s a preserved Edwardian home built in 1902 and was lived in by the Gamble family for generations.
Inside, it’s like stepping into a time capsule. The rooms are arranged just as they were, with early 1900s furniture, old photographs, and decorations on display. It feels more like visiting someone’s home than walking through a typical museum.
Even the garden has been restored using the original owners’ descriptions, which adds to the sense that time has stood still here. With its quiet atmosphere and lived-in charm, Gamble Cottage has become one of my favourite local spots to visit.
Pro tip: You can hire Gamble Cottage for events like garden weddings or community gatherings. It can host up to 35 guests, making it ideal for low-key celebrations with a personal touch. To enquire, you can give them a call or send a message to [email protected].
JamFactory
– Photo credit: jamfactoryau
Website: https://www.jamfactory.com.au/
Address: 19 Morphett St
Contact details: +61 8 8410 0727
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
JamFactory began in 1973 in a former jam factory in St. Peters. It was originally set up as a craft training workshop and has since grown into a nationally recognised centre for contemporary craft and design.
What I enjoy most is that you can watch artists at work, especially in the glass studio. There’s a viewing platform where you can see glassblowers shaping molten glass into delicate forms, and it’s fascinating to watch.
Their exhibitions change regularly and are always thoughtfully curated. One that stood out to me was the GOLD exhibition, which marked 50 years of their history by showcasing work from 50 alumni. It’s a cool way to see how far the centre has come.
Pro tip: If you’re keen to try it yourself, JamFactory runs short courses right inside their working studios, taught by artists who actually make their living there. Some classes only take a couple of hours; others run over a few days. You can check out the full lineup on this website.
The Bradman Collection
– Photo credit: streetphotographypics
Website: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/bradman-collection/
Address: Adelaide Oval, War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide
Contact details: +61 8 8205 4700
Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If you’re a huge cricket fan, The Bradman Collection at Adelaide Oval is a must-visit. The museum honours Sir Donald Bradman, who is widely regarded as the greatest batsman in the history of the sport.
The collection spans his career from 1927 to 1977 and includes everything from match-used bats and balls to personal items like clothing, trophies, and handwritten notes. I’m quite sure fans will have an entire afternoon’s worth of stuff to see here.
One highlight is the theatrette, where you can watch rare footage of Bradman in action and learn why he’s held in such high regard. There’s also an interactive cricket exhibition where you can test your own skills and see how you measure up.
Pro tip: Do the stadium tour after visiting The Bradman Collection. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Adelaide Oval, including the old scoreboard and player areas. You’ll get a better feel for where Bradman played and why the Oval means so much to cricket fans. It’s a nice way to round out the experience.
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
– Photo credit: tandanya_naci
Website: https://www.tandanya.com.au/
Address: 253 Grenfell St
Contact details: +61 8 8224 3200
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
Tandanya is a wonderful place to visit if you want to learn more about the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Even though my last visit here was before the lockdowns, it has stayed as one of my favourite museums in Adelaide.
Opened in 1989, it is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and operated multi-arts centre. Inside, you will find four gallery spaces featuring a mix of traditional painting and contemporary sculpture.
One of my most memorable visits was during NAIDOC Week 2019, when Tandanya ran a full program themed Voice. Treaty. Truth. I caught some live performances and joined a few workshops that offered a deep dive into Aboriginal customs and stories.
Pro tip: Be sure to check Tandanya’s Facebook and Instagram before your visit to see what events, exhibitions, or workshops might be on. It’s the best way to catch something special while you’re there.
