Best Free Museums In Adelaide Near Me

4worldlovers:
On Sunday 26 September we closed the doors on 50 successful years of the Ayers House Museum.


The National Trust of South Australia has managed the Ayers House Museum on North Terrace in Adelaide on behalf of the Government of South Australia since 1973, having saved the building from demolition in the 1960s. On 10 June 2021, the National Trust was served a 30 day eviction notice by the Government of South Australia.

4worldlovers:

The South Australian Aviation Museum started in 1984 as the South Australian Aviation & Warbirds Restoration Group. In 1995, the name was changed to the South Australian Aviation Museum. Our focus is to collect, record and display the history of civil and military aviation in South Australia. SAAM volunteers have rescued and restored many notable (historic) aircraft, and are currently working on an Avro Anson, a Fairey Battle and our latest aquisition, a Victa Airtourer. SAAM wishes to acknowledge the support and encouragement provided by RAAF History & Heritage and RAAF ARDU Edinburgh for assisting us to source, display and maintain such an amazing collection of historic aircraft.

SAAM is a non-profit organisation run by volunteer members. For more information about SAAM membership, click here.


SAAM's Collection relies on the generosity of people who donate objects. We accept donations ranging from complete aircraft, aircraft parts, books, models, collectables and memorabilia, subject to our selection criteria and storage limitations. Our priority is for items that relate directly to South Australian Aviation history and especially items that add to our displays. If you have objects that you are considering donating, please contact us. Click here to go to our donations page for more information.


Of course, SAAM is also very pleased to receive financial support. Donations can be made directly to SAAM or, to the SAAM Foundation. The SAAM Foundation was established in 2022. The foundation is incorporated as a public ancillary fund trust and is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient so all donations to it are 100% tax deductible. Our objective in forming the Foundation is to establish it as a prudently managed and safely invested capital base to enable us to anticipate and provide for the major longer-term funding needs of the Museum. This is vital if the Museum is to maintain its inspirational community role of telling the South Australian Aviation story for future generations. For more information about the Foundation's structure, mission, vision and goals, and how to donate, click here to go to the Foundation's website.

Four Vespin-A engines were used on the Coralie, which formed the second stage of the Europa launch vehicle as part of a programme run by ELDO (the European Space Launcher Organisation). The Europa rocket was flown from its launchpad on the North shore of Lake Hart within the Woomera Range perimeters between June 5, 1964 and June 6, 1970. For more information, click here.

For those who have visited the South Australian Aviation Museum, especially those with small children, you may be familiar with the fleet of push aircraft used to entertain the kids. Recently, the fleet was expanded with the addition of a Jeep, a model of a vehicle which was used on thousands of airports as Ground Support Equipment (GSE). Made by SAAM member, Laurie, this Jeep is likely to be a favourite for the kids (under 5 please).

SAAM's latest acquisition of a FA18 Hornet came to us late last year. Here's a short film of the handover ceremony where we offically took charge of FA-18 Hornet A21-32. This Hornet flew mostly with ARDU at RAAF Edinburgh flying test missions. She was piloted by SAAM patron Sqn Ldr Jim Whalley and FltLt Emily Willis who was Australia's first female fast jet combat pilot.

The South Australian Aviation Museum acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land on which we stand, the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains. SAAM is also pleased to announce that we are working with the traditional owners of the Woomera Rocket Range Area (the Kokatha people) in the renovation of our 'Rockets in the Desert' display.

4worldlovers: The Vickers Vimy aeroplane is an iconic part of South Australia's history and has recently been unveiled at its new home in Adelaide Airport. Read all about the aeroplane and it's brave crew here.

When the Overland Telegraph Line was completed on 22 August 1872, it activated a communication wire across the Australian continent, from Adelaide to Port Darwin, that connected the Australian colonies to each other, to the rest of the British Empire and to the world.

Explore the stories and objects from South Australia's State History Collection.

Explore and celebrate the human history of our oceans and rivers.

Discover the many identities of the people of South Australia through the stories of individuals and communities.

Explore our motoring, road transport and social history at the National Motor Museum.

A gallery dedicated to telling the stories of South Australia’s national and global leadership in the evolution of democracy and democratic participation.

The History Festival is a celebration of the past, with a focus on the theme of wonder. We will explore the constantly evolving nature of history and how this can lead to more engaging learning opportunities and a greater emphasis on hearing new perspectives and voices. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for an interesting day out, the festival has something for everyone. Come join us and discover the wonder of history.

The South Australian History Network encompasses over 300 largely community-run history organisations around the state.

Stay up to date with our latest news, events and offers.

An interactive way to engage with the history of our city; the people, the communities, the stories and the places.

South Australian Maritime Museum’s walking tour app that explores the historic precinct of Port Adelaide.

4worldlovers: This Adelaide-exclusive exhibition presents over 240 works by British ceramic manufacturer Wedgwood. Explore 265 years of history, experience iconic works of art, and be prepared for the unexpected.

The David Roche Foundation hosts a diverse range of talks and public programmes all year round.

Click here to find out more about our upcoming programs and events.

Guided tours of Fermoy House are limited to a maximum of 20 guests (in 2 groups of no more than 10 guests)

Go on a virtual tour through David Roche’s incredible Fermoy House from the comfort of your own home.

David J Roche AM (1930–2013), a collector for almost sixty years, spent his lifetime developing what has become The David Roche Collection. The collection, which spans the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and includes European furniture, ceramics, metal ware, clocks and paintings, is remarkable in its quality and range. It contains many luxury works by leading designers displaying exquisite workmanship, as well as the quirky and playful, and as such reflects the many interests and engaging personality of its creator.

The David Roche Foundation was established in 1999 by the late Mr David J Roche AM (1930–2013) to be the recipient and custodian of the exceptional collection of antiques, paintings and objets d’art accumulated by him over his lifetime and to be preserved for future generations.

The David Roche Foundation collection, housed in David’s Fermoy House in Adelaide, South Australia, is one of the greatest decorative arts collections in a private institution in Australia. It spans two centuries of European design from the early rococo of France to Faberge in Russia.

4worldlovers:
Have you ever wondered how a steam engine works? Have you had questions about how steam can cause such big metal machines to move?

4worldlovers: Sir Donald Bradman was the greatest batsman in the history of cricket

The Bradman Collection, on loan from the State Library of South Australia, is on display at Adelaide Oval in a purpose-built museum located in the Riverbank Stand.

The collection brings together his priceless and personal collection of cricket memorabilia spanning from 1927 to 1977. It was originally Sir Donald’s wish that a home for the Bradman Collection may be found at Adelaide Oval, which came to fruition in 2008 on the centenary of his birth.

The Bradman Collection is a world-class exhibition dedicated to an Australian legend and international hero who made Adelaide his home. Watch footage of Bradman in the theatrette, test your own skills with the interactive museum, and browse through personal items including cricket bats, balls, trophies, items of clothing and more.

The South Australian Cricket Association is now the custodian of the collection in conjunction with the Premier’s Department, State Library and the Bradman family. The State Library retains Bradman archival materials.

The Bradman Collection is open everyday, 9am-4pm, except for event days and Christmas Day. All patrons are required to provide contact details including full name and contact number at Concierge prior to admission.

4worldlovers: Discover the people and ideas that have shaped democracy in South Australia, and the power of your voice in it.