South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum offers visitors five floors of exhibits that reveal many fascinating stories. Exhibitions and displays reflect the museum's extensive collections, including the Australian Aboriginal and Pacific Cultures collections. The Ancient Egyptian Room has been a favourite destination for generations of museum visitors, and the Giant Squid is always a winner with children and adults alike. We enjoy an international reputation for the size and representation of our collections, as well as the breadth and quality of our scientific research. Permanent galleries in the museum include: Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, Ground Floor & Level 1 World Mammals Gallery, Ground Floor Pacific Cultures Gallery, Level 1 North South Australian Biodiversity Gallery, Level 2 Mawson Gallery, Level 3 Minerals Gallery, Level 3 Megafauna Gallery, Level 3 Fossils Gallery, Level 3 Opalised Fossils Gallery, Level 3 Ancient Egyptian Room, Level 3 South Australia's unique fossil history is reflected in the Fossils Gallery on Level 3. Visitors can view 40,000 year old megafauna fossils, the wonder and beauty of 120 million year old opalised fossils and Ediacaran fossils, such as the 550 million year old chordate, possibly the oldest ever found. The chordate is a fossil from the branch of the tree of life that led to animals with backbones, including humans. The giant squid is also a favourite, spanning four floors in an old elevator shaft in the south-east wing of the building. There are two special exhibition spaces, one in the North Foyer and the other in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery (AACG). They are used for temporary and travelling exhibitions and museum events. The Discovery Centre is open on Level 1 East and staff are available for identification and assistance with learning.