South Australia · Attraction
Art Gallery of South Australia
A million visitors every year
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The Art Gallery of South Australia on North Terrace is one of the leading art museums in the country, holding a collection of almost 47,000 works spanning Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, European, Asian, and contemporary art. Founded in 1881, it attracts more than one million visitors annually and admission to the permanent collection is free.
The permanent galleries range from colonial-era Australian landscapes and decorative arts to cutting-edge contemporary works and one of the most significant collections of Asian art in Australia. Travelling exhibitions from major international institutions arrive throughout the year, and while some of these carry a ticket price, the gallery aims to keep costs as accessible as possible.
The building itself is an impressive piece of nineteenth-century civic architecture, sitting on the cultural boulevard of North Terrace alongside the State Library, South Australian Museum, and the University of Adelaide. Extended opening hours on the first Friday of each month make it a popular evening outing.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge, guide dogs are welcome, and hand-held photography is permitted in most permanent galleries. The cafe and gallery shop are open during visiting hours.
Scenic views
