Adelaide's Best Art Galleries to Lose Yourself In Today

Whether you’re a newbie in the city, someone visiting Adelaide for a weekend of art, great dining and delicious wine, or a lifelong local - you should always 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 or so and learn about a famed international artist or even one from the local area.

You may discover new creators with art you love, who you can choose to support through buying or simply by viewing their work and sharing their creations on your socials. Galleries allow us to stop and admire beautiful creations and get a little dose of culture and education while we're at it, which is why we’ve put together the best art galleries in Adelaide to lose yourself in today, tomorrow, or for a whole weekend.  

Samstag Museum of Art

One of Australia’s leading university art museums, you’re guaranteed access to some of the youngest and freshest creative minds out there at Samstag. Presenting a changing exhibitions program of contemporary visual art from South Australia University, the curators have broad interest alongside educational value in mind.

Please note following a burst water pipe incident, Samstag is currently closed and will reopen later in the year, please check the website for updates.

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

Hans Heysen Art Studio

If you don’t know Sir Hans Heysen, then why not get acquainted by visiting his Hahndorf home? One of Australia’s most noted landscape artists, the historic house-come-gallery-museum is set upon 60-hectares of scenic land. Holding some 200 original works from the German artist, The Cedars also 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 book in for a guided tour.

68 Heysen Road, Hahndorf

Art Gallery of South Australia

Standing grand in the middle of North Terrace alongside many other cultural opportunities, the AGSA is a must visit, and easily one of the best galleries in Adelaide. Established as the National Gallery of South Australia in 1881, you can find ongoing exhibitions alongside an array of classic through to modern pieces on permanent display. Open daily and home to over 47,000 works, you may need to set aside a few hours to make your way through!

North Terrace, Adelaide

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

Dedicated to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art & culture, Tandanya showcases stunning pieces from Indigenous artists across Australia and Torres Straight Island. If you’re tight on time and still want to surround yourself with this magical artwork, then modern technology is here for you. Their ‘Virtual Tandanya’ is a 360 experience where you can ‘walk’ around at your own pace and discover details from pieces. Filled with stories and displays of history, this is a truly fantastic gallery to see.

253 Grenfell Street, Adelaide

The d'Arenberg Cube

A trip down to McLaren Vale is always a good time, so why not make it one of the best days out by visiting the most photographed cube in South Australia? The d’Arenberg Cube, designed to be a piece of art itself, currently hosts some of Salvador Dali’s most iconic imagery, including 25 authentic bronze sculptures as well as the Alternate Realities Museum, located on the ground floor of the cube and a sculpture garden. And of course – a visit to d’Arenberg means an opportunity to enjoy their wines after, so it’s a win win.

58 Osborn Road, McLaren Vale

Jam Factory

A creative hub of design, Jam Factory not only supports and promotes contemporary Australian Craft and Design through training and workshops – they also display it in their gallery and sell it in their shop. Focusing on ceramic work, you’re guaranteed to find something delightfully different to take home. Get hands on and sign up for a short course in jewelry making, ceramics, glass or furniture and textiles.  

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 antiques, paintings and objects d’art accumulated and preserved for future generations. Check out the website for the latest exhibition information and for a taste of the antique treats you can expect on your visit.

241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide

MOD

Step into MOD and into the future. The futuristic gallery is a showcase of ideas and creations that combine science, innovation and art, and has been created for young people to grasp an understanding of our world and how the future looks for it. Combining researchers, industry experts, artists and students, MOD is found in the University of South Australia, and it is always fascinating to see what creations and concepts each exhibition brings.

University of South Australia, North Terrace at Morphett Street Bridge

GAGPROJECTS

On the outskirts of the CBD in the inner-city suburb of Kent Town, GAGPROJECTS is tucked away and 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 events around the world to establish connections and networks that bring the best of the best to South Australia. Pop in and prepare to be amazed by the beauty on display.

39 Rundle Street, Kent Town

South Australian Museum

Home to a range of works and exhibitions boasting both national and international significance, the South Australian Museum is Adelaide’s beating centre of history and culture. Open 7 days a week, you should allow ample time to make your way through the 5 floors of exhibitions, beginning from the first signs of life through to modern day creations and Aboriginal history. Covering off 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 that hold so much more than art alone.

North Terrace, Adelaide

Feeling inspired by Adelaide's best art galleries and looking to refresh your home with an injection of style? We've got you covered with our guide to styling your apartment like a pro, and for a little more inspiration, check out the Australian artists we are loving right now!