Migration Museum
Discover South Australia's rich tapestry of migration through personal stories and impactful exhibits. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Migration Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover South Australia's rich tapestry of migration through personal stories and impactful exhibits. Free entry!
"A small but very nice and well-prepared museum that displays the stories and belongings of the people who migrated to SA."
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum's work. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore Outdoors
Don't skip the paving stones and memorial plaques outside; they add depth. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Face to Face Exhibition
Main exhibition space
Engaging portraits of elders, illustrated by students, sharing their life stories.
Immigrant Paving Stones
Outdoor area
Walk among the names of those who shaped South Australia, a moving tribute.
Stories of Arrival
Permanent galleries
Discover personal belongings and narratives from diverse migrant journeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Beyond the Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum's work. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore Outdoors
Don't skip the paving stones and memorial plaques outside; they add depth. :world_map:
📚 Dive into Stories
Take your time with the personal narratives; they are the heart of the museum. :books:
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient stop. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum's work. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Explore Outdoors
Don't skip the paving stones and memorial plaques outside; they add depth. :world_map:
📚 Dive into Stories
Take your time with the personal narratives; they are the heart of the museum. :books:
📍 Central Location
Easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient stop. :bus:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Migration Museum for its free entry, informative and moving exhibits that focus on personal stories of migration. The outdoor elements, like the immigrant paving stones, are also highlighted as particularly impactful. Some wish the museum was larger, but generally, it's considered a valuable and well-presented cultural experience.
"Small museum in historic buildings, telling about colonial settlement and profiling individual immigrants to South Australia. Currently, there is an exhibition, “Face to Face,” of coloured and decorated photos of elderly people: black-and-white photos illustrated by both the elders and the students, who spoke with the subjects about their lives. Outside is an expanse of paving stones bearing the names of immigrants to South Australia. One wall near the entrance has a gathering of plaques in memory of oppressed and exiled peoples from their countries of origin.
Free entry."
Laura Carolina
"I reckon that Migration Museum is one of the must go tourism spots. Although the size of it is not as big as other museums, the ambient atmosphere and cleanliness is very good.
The display items and contents are very nice and informative.
Parking at metered street parking spot is convenient."
Richard Chieh
"Great location. Having a couple of the old buildings around is amazing. A lot of good information and my only wish was that it was a little larger because I enjoyed the displays of the personal items and family stories.
Free Entry, but you can make a donation to help support them."
Maria D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Migration Museum is centrally located in Adelaide and is easily accessible via public transport. It's a short walk from many city tram lines and bus routes. If you're visiting Adelaide without a car, this museum is a convenient option as it's well-connected to other city attractions.
Metered street parking is available nearby, which can be convenient if you are driving. However, given its central location and free entry, many visitors opt for public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the museum is very accessible by public transport. It's situated in the heart of Adelaide, making it easy to reach via the city's tram and bus network.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Migration Museum offers free entry to all visitors. While admission is free, donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum's exhibitions and operations.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance as entry is free. You can simply walk in during opening hours.
The museum is typically open daily, but it's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially around public holidays.
Absolutely! Donations are highly encouraged and help the museum continue its important work of preserving and sharing migration stories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases a variety of exhibits, including permanent displays on South Australia's migration history, temporary exhibitions like 'Face to Face,' and outdoor elements such as the immigrant paving stones. You'll find personal stories, artifacts, and art.
Yes, the museum offers engaging content that can be interesting for children, especially the personal stories and interactive elements. They sometimes have special trails, like a LEGO® Trail during school holidays.
While the museum isn't as large as some, the depth of the stories means you can easily spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits thoroughly. Some visitors wish it was larger due to their enjoyment of the displays.
The museum frequently hosts temporary and special exhibitions. For example, 'Taking Care of Business' featured artist films, and 'Face to Face' showcased illustrated portraits. Check their website for current offerings.
The 'Face to Face' exhibition features colored and decorated photos of elderly people, where students spoke with the subjects about their lives, creating a unique blend of history and personal connection.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted in many museum spaces. It's always best to check for any signage or ask staff if you're unsure about specific exhibits.
The outdoor paving stones with immigrant names offer a unique photographic opportunity. Inside, the displays of personal items and the 'Face to Face' exhibition can also be very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your children to look closely at the personal items and imagine the lives of the people who owned them. The outdoor paving stones also offer a unique way to discuss the diverse origins of people who have come to Australia. It's an opportunity for learning and reflection in a welcoming environment.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring other free attractions in the city, like the nearby Art Gallery of South Australia or the South Australian Museum. The museum's central location also means you can easily walk or use public transport, saving on travel costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Museum: Personal Stories
One of the standout features is the 'Face to Face' exhibition, where elderly immigrants' stories are shared through illustrated portraits. This collaborative effort between elders and students creates a powerful connection across generations. The museum's commitment to showcasing diverse experiences, including those of oppressed and exiled peoples, ensures a comprehensive and sensitive portrayal of migration.
These personal stories are not just historical records; they are testaments to resilience, hope, and the enduring human desire for a better life. The museum's clean atmosphere and well-prepared displays contribute to an immersive and informative experience, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone interested in social history.
Architectural Significance and Outdoor Elements
Outside, you'll find an expansive area paved with stones bearing the names of immigrants who have settled in South Australia. This outdoor memorial is a poignant reminder of the countless individuals who have contributed to the state's multicultural fabric. Adjacent to this, a wall displays plaques in memory of oppressed and exiled peoples, highlighting the broader global context of migration and displacement.
These outdoor elements are not mere afterthoughts; they are integral to the museum's narrative, offering a tangible connection to the past and a space for reflection on the ongoing human experience of migration. They provide a unique perspective that complements the indoor exhibitions.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit