Celebrating 170 years of curiosity, discovery and connection

Today marks the 170^th anniversary of the establishment of the South Australian Museum.

The newly formed Parliament introduced legislation on 18 June 1856 to establish an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, curiosity and discovery.

One hundred and seventy years later, the South Australian Museum continues that mission, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and caring for collections that help tell the story of our State, our region and our planet.

From humble beginnings in rented rooms on King William Street, the growing Institute found its first purpose-built home when the Institute Building (main picture above) on North Terrace opened in 1861.

_{The North Wing, circa 1883, was originally intended to be a temporary structure providing much-needed room for expanding collections (Image: State Library of South Australia)}

This was followed by a series of expansions as the collections, research and public interest continued to grow. Generation after generation of South Australians invested in building a museum that would preserve, study and share knowledge for the benefit of the whole community.

Today, the South Australian Museum is home to more than five million objects and specimens, including the world's largest collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material and one of Australia's most significant natural science collections.

Together, these collections help researchers and communities better understand biodiversity, climate change, conservation, human history and culture.

_{The Jervois wing, circa 1885, originally housed the public library, museum and art gallery (Image: State Library of South Australia)}

For many visitors, the Museum is a place of wonder, learning and belonging. It is where children come face-to-face with giant squid, discover ancient Egyptian artefacts, explore fossils millions of years old, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

Behind the scenes, scientists, collection managers, volunteers and researchers work every day to care for, study and share the stories contained within these remarkable collections.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we also look to the future. The South Australian Museum is entering a new chapter, guided by a renewed vision for its role in the life of our State. Through our collections, research, exhibitions, education spaces, and public programs, the Museum will continue to be a place of curiosity, learning, belonging and connection.

None of this happens without community support.

_{The "new" east wing, circa 1912, further transformed theprecinct, laying the foundation for the Museum we know today}

For 170 years, the South Australian Museum has belonged to the people of South Australia. Generations of visitors, volunteers, members, donors and supporters have helped shape the Museum we know today. If the Museum has inspired your curiosity, enriched your understanding of the world, or created lasting memories for you and your family, please consider supporting our work.

Donateto the South Australian Museum

Your donation will help care for collections, support scientific research, deliver education programs and create experiences that connect communities and inspire future generations.

Together, we can ensure the South Australian Museum continues to inform, inspire and connect communities for the next 170 years.

Visit the Museum’s website for more on its long history.

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