The Best Art Galleries in Adelaide to Lose Yourself In

Whether you’re a newbie in the city, visiting Adelaide for a weekend of art, great dining and delicious wine, or a lifelong local – it’s always a good idea to make time to visit an art gallery or two. They’re the perfect place to escape, to hide away from the heat or the rain for an hour, learn about a famed international artist or discover successful and emerging local talent.

Galleries allow us to stop and admire beautiful creations and get a little dose of culture and education. The next time you’re ready to lose yourself for a couple of hours, we’ve put together a guide to the best art galleries in Adelaide.  

Samstag Museum of Art

One of Australia’s leading university art museums, you’re given access to the youngest and freshest creative minds at Samstag. Presenting a changing exhibitions program of contemporary visual art from South Australia University, the curators have broad interests alongside educational value, meaning every visit will bring something new to explore.

Hawke Building, City West campus, 55 North Terrace, Adelaide

Hans Heysen Art Studio

If you don’t know Sir Hans Heysen, why not get acquainted by visiting his historic Hahndorf home? One of Australia’s most noted landscape artists, step into a bygone era at the house-come-gallery-museum, set upon 60 hectares of scenic land and holding some 200 original works from the German artist. The Cedars includes stunning manicured gardens visitors are welcome to walk through, and for an in-depth journey into Sir Hans Heysen’s life and art, you can always book a guided tour.

68 Heysen Road, Hahndorf

Art Gallery of South Australia

Standing proudly in the middle of North Terrace alongside other cultural opportunities, the AGSA is easily one of the best galleries in Adelaide. Established as the National Gallery of South Australia in 1881, enjoy free entry, tours, events and ongoing world-class exhibitions alongside a permanent display of classic and modern pieces. Open daily and home to over 47,000 artworks, you may need to set aside a few hours to make your way through!

North Terrace, Adelaide

d’Arenberg

A trip down to McLaren Vale is always a good idea, but did you know it’s also home to the most photographed cube in South Australia? The d’Arenberg Cube, designed to be a piece of art in itself, hosts some of surrealist artist Salvador Dali’s most iconic work, including 25 authentic bronze sculptures and a sculpture garden. And of course – a trip to d’Arenberg means an opportunity to enjoy their award-winning wines, so it’s a win-win!

58 Osborn Road, McLaren Vale

Jam Factory

A hub of design, creativity and innovation, Jam Factory supports and promotes contemporary Australian craft through training, workshops, inspiring exhibitions and gallery displays. With a strong focus on supporting artists in South Australia, you are encouraged to dive deeper into creative mediums, even getting hands-on with a short course in jewellery making, ceramics, glass or furniture and textiles. The best part? The shop on-site is filled with unique pieces and homewares, perfect for yourself or a special gift. 

19 Morphett Street, Adelaide

The David Roche Foundation

Part gallery, part historical museum; the David Roche Foundation was established in 1999 and holds an exceptional collection of over 3000 luxury antiques, paintings and objects accumulated and preserved for future generations to admire. Check out the website for the latest exhibition information, or to book a guided tour of this golden grandeur.

241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide

MOD

Step away from history and into the future at MOD. The futuristic gallery showcases fascinating, thought-provoking creations combining science, innovation and art. Created for young people to better understand our world by combining the work and ideas of researchers, industry experts, artists and students. Found at the University of South Australia, MOD is always changing, encouraging multiple visits to explore the latest findings and exhibitions.

University of South Australia, North Terrace at Morphett Street Bridge

GAGPROJECTS

On the outskirts of the CBD in a Kent Town side street, GAGPROJECTS is quietly waiting to impress. Previously known as the Greenway Art Gallery, this space is home to a curation of the best local and national contemporary artists, with regular injections of international creativity through limited exhibitions. The team is passionate about discovering art that stands out, regularly attending global events and art shows to establish connections that bring the best of the best to South Australia. 

39 Rundle Street, Kent Town

South Australian Museum

Home to artwork and exhibitions boasting national and international significance, the South Australian Museum is Adelaide’s centre of history and culture.

Open 7 days a week, allow ample time to make your way through the five floors of exhibitions, beginning from the first signs of life through to modern-day creations and Aboriginal history. Covering historical events, illustrations and drawings, photography, artefacts and a calendar of events – there is magic to see and mind-blowing stories to discover within these walls.

North Terrace, Adelaide

Feeling inspired by the best art galleries in Adelaide and looking to refresh your home with an injection of style? Check out our guide to styling your apartment like a pro, and the Australian artists we are loving right now!