Discover Adelaide's Art and Culture: Top Spots to Visit
Adelaide's vibrant art and cultural scene is booming! From world-class museums to hidden street art gems, South Australia's capital is brimming with creativity at every turn. Let’s explore the top spots that make Adelaide a true cultural gem.
Must-Visit Art Galleries and Museums
Art Gallery of South Australia
The crown jewel of Adelaide's art scene, the Art Gallery of South Australia hosts an impressive collection of Australian, European and Asian art.
Their seasonal calendar is packed with rotating international exhibitions that'll blow your mind. Recent exhibitions have included masterpieces from the Louvre and amazing showcases of Indigenous Australian art.
The gallery's Elder Wing is particularly cool, featuring an outstanding collection of Australian art from colonial times to the present.
Local Tip: Visit on First Fridays when the gallery stays open late with live music and special events.
South Australian Museum
Natural history buffs, this one's for you! The SA Museum houses the world's largest collection of Aboriginal cultural artefacts, with over 30,000 items telling the rich story of Australia's First Nations peoples.
The museum's Pacific Cultures Gallery showcases an extraordinary collection of objects from across the Pacific Islands, while the Megafauna Gallery tells the story of South Australia's prehistoric giants. Rest assured, this is a favourite for the little ones!
JamFactory
For something a little more edgy, head to the JamFactory. This contemporary craft and design institution showcases innovative works by emerging artists in ceramics, glass, jewellery and furniture.
The best part? You can often watch artists at work in their studios, offering a rare glimpse into their creative processes.
Snap The Street Art and Public Installations
MOD.
MOD. (The Museum of Discovery) is where science meets art in the coolest way possible. This future-focused museum challenges your perception with mind-bending installations and interactive exhibits, all free to enter.
Located at UniSA's city west campus, it features multiple gallery spaces across two floors, each offering different perspectives on the intersection of art, science and innovation. Their exhibitions change every six months, ensuring there's always something new to discover.
Port Adelaide Street Art
Take a stroll through Port Adelaide to discover some of the city's most impressive murals. Local and international artists have transformed this historic area into an outdoor gallery.
‘Don’t forget your camera, because every corner offers a new Instagram-worthy shot!’
Start your exploration at the visitor centre to pick up a street art map, or join one of the regular walking tours to learn the stories behind the artworks. Don’t forget your camera, because every corner offers a new Instagram-worthy shot!
Light Square
This cultural precinct is home to various public art installations that change regularly. The space comes alive at night with light projections and interactive displays.
A canvas for both permanent and temporary pieces, the surrounding buildings are often incorporated into large-scale projection works.
During major festivals like SALA and Illuminate Adelaide, Light Square becomes a central hub for innovative light-based art experiences
Step Into the Heart of Culture with These Festivals and Events
Adelaide Fringe
The Southern Hemisphere's largest open-access arts festival, Adelaide Fringe transforms the city every February-March.
With over 1,200 events across comedy, theatre, music and visual arts, it's an absolute must-experience event. The Garden of Unearthly Delights becomes a magical wonderland of performances and experiences, while venues across the city host everything from intimate poetry readings to spectacular circus shows.
Need a reset between circus rounds? Fringe Festival is overflowing with delicious meal deals for every festival-goer. They partner with a variety of local businesses to make sure everyone stays well-fed throughout the entire event.
OzAsia Festival
Celebrating the best of Asian-Australian cultural connections, OzAsia Festival brings contemporary Asian arts to Adelaide each spring.
From traditional performances to modern fusion events, it's an incredible way to fully experience and connect with the culture. The Lucky Dumpling Market becomes a bustling hub of Asian cuisine and culture, while the Moon Lantern Parade lights up Elder Park with hundreds of handmade lanterns.
SALA Festival
The South Australian Living Artists Festival spreads across the city every August, turning unexpected venues into art spaces.
From cafes to corporate offices, the whole city becomes a gallery. Over 9,000 artists participate annually, making it the largest visual arts festival in Australia. It's the perfect time to explore local talent and maybe even start your art collection!
Many venues offer artist talks and workshops, providing insight into their creative processes.
See A Show At A Local Theatre Or Performance Space
Hindley Street Music Hall
Recently renovated and absolutely buzzing, Hindley Street Music Hall hosts everything from local indie bands to international acts.
The stunning Art Deco architecture has been lovingly restored, while state-of-the-art sound systems ensure an incredible acoustic experience.
The venue's 1,800-person capacity makes it perfect for major touring acts while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
Local Tip: The upstairs bar offers a great spot for pre-show drinks with city views.
Capri Theatre
Step back in time at this gorgeous Art Deco cinema. Built in 1941, the Capri is a living piece of Adelaide's cultural history. Complete with a Wurlitzer organ that rises from beneath the stage before selected screenings, the volunteer-run venue screens both classic films and new releases.
Local Tip: Don’t miss the special organ recitals during intermission on weekends.
The Lab
This intimate performance space showcases experimental theatre and emerging artists. With just 140 seats, The Lab offers an incredibly engaging experience where the line between performer and audience often blurs.
The venue is particularly known for supporting new works by South Australian writers and performers. It's where you'll catch the next big things before they hit the mainstream.
Looking For Souvenirs? Hit The Art and Craft Markets
Adelaide Central Market
More than just food (though the culinary offerings are amazing), the Central Market hosts regular artisan events where local creators sell their wares.
Established in 1869, it's one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Australia. Every Tuesday to Sunday, the market transforms into a hub for local artisans, produce and more, with pop-up stalls featuring handmade jewellery, textiles, ceramics and artwork. See what’s on at the Adelaide Central Market.
Bowerbird Design Market
Held twice yearly, Bowerbird is where you'll find the cream of South Australian design talent.
This carefully curated market features over 200 Australian designers and makers, with strict quality controls ensuring only the finest handmade pieces make the cut.
‘Adelaideans are known for their friendliness and love sharing their city's cultural secrets!’
From handmade jewellery to bespoke furniture, ceramics to textile art, it's a treasure trove of unique pieces. Don't be shy about chatting with local artists and curators, Adelaideans are known for their friendliness and love sharing their city's cultural secrets!
Arcades
For more of a classic shopping experience, the Victorian-era Adelaide Arcade houses numerous artisan stores and boutiques. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but the unique local crafts make it a must-visit destination.
Just down the road, the Regent Arcade is full of locally crafted treasures. From indie fashion boutiques to artisanal jewellery makers, it’s a charming spot for some retail therapy.
Look out for the regular pop-up exhibitions by local artists in vacant shopfronts, part of the arcade's commitment to supporting emerging creatives.
Historical Sites and Cultural Institutions
Adelaide Gaol
History buffs, don't miss this one! The Adelaide Gaol offers a fascinating glimpse into colonial history, while serving as a unique exhibition space.
Regular art installations in the cells add a contemporary twist to this historic site, with local artists creating works that respond to the building's complex history.
Local Tip: For those interested in the art of fright, book one of the Gaol’s night ghost tours.
Migration Museum
Understanding Adelaide's cultural fabric starts here. The Migration Museum tells powerful stories of South Australia's diverse communities through engaging exhibitions and personal narratives.
The permanent collection includes objects, photographs and documents tracing migration stories from the First Fleet to recent arrivals. There’s even interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore their own family histories
State Library of South Australia
Not just books! The State Library hosts regular art exhibitions in its purpose-built gallery spaces, focusing on South Australian history and culture.
The current technology hub in the Institute Building offers digital art installations and virtual reality experiences, while the Treasures Wall displays rotating selections from the library's vast collection of historical photographs, maps and artwork.
Hey Foodies, Try These Flavoursome Creations and Dining Experiences
Restaurant Botanic
Housed within the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Botanic offers a dining experience that's as much about visual artistry as it is about taste. Our Head Chef creates stunning dishes that reflect the surrounding gardens, incorporating native ingredients and edible flowers.
The degustation menu is a journey through South Australia's finest produce, with each dish presented like a miniature installation piece.
Parwana Afghan Kitchen
This family-owned gem in Torrensville is a cultural institution that tells stories through food.
The Ayubi family has transformed their traditional Afghan recipes into works of art, with each dish representing generations of culinary heritage. The restaurant's interior is a gallery of traditional artworks and textiles, many brought from Afghanistan or created by family members.
Their signature dishes, like the Kabuli Palaw and Banjaan Borani, demonstrate that food presentation is an art form in itself.
Africola
Africola has revolutionised Adelaide's dining scene with its bold, artistic approach to South African cuisine.
The restaurant's interior design, created in collaboration with local artists, is a riot of colour and pattern that sets the stage for equally dramatic food presentations.
The open kitchen adds a performance element to dining, with chefs creating theatrical presentations of dishes like the iconic tea-smoked oysters.
Ready to Explore Adelaide’s Arty Side?
Whether you're an art aficionado or just curious about the culture, Adelaide's got something special waiting for you.
The city's size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, and most venues are within easy reach of public transport. Time your visit right, and you might catch one of the major festivals that transform the city into an even more vibrant cultural hub.
Ready to start planning your Adelaide cultural excursion? Click here to check out our accommodation options at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide today.
Remember to check individual venue websites for current exhibitions and opening hours.