South Australian Museum
Spring 2014
Contents
From the Director. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 1 About the South Australian Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 2 Plan your visit....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 4 Map.. . . . . . . . . . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 5
Special Exhibitions
Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year.. .................................................. 6 Warakurna: All the stories got into our minds and eyes.. . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................................ 8 Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 10
Museum Galleries
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 12 South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 14 World Mammals. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 Whales & Dolphins. ............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 Pacific Cultures. ................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 First Life: Ediacara Biota........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 Minerals & Meteorites. .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 16 In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 17 South Australian Megafauna.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 17 Opal Fossils of South Australia.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 17 Ancient Egypt....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 17 Giant Squid. ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 17 www.samuseum.sa.gov.au. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 18 South Australian Field Guide App.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 19 Ways to Support the Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 20 Out of the Glass Case............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 22 Programmes......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 24 Calendar.. . . ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................................................... 25
Cover: A fascinated visitor to the Opal Fossils of South Australia Gallery on Level 3.
What’s On is printed 100% carbon-neutral. All information is correct at publication. Programmes and events may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
From the Director
Welcome to the South Australian Museum.
Our Museum is home to research programs and collections of international significance. As Director, I am proud to work with staff, volunteers, partners and a Board and Foundation who care for these collections on behalf of us all. This year, drawing on the insight, broad knowledge and enthusiasm of this group, the Museum developed a new Strategic Plan. This new plan will guide us through the next decade, to 2020. Our purpose is to inspire in all people a wonder and curiosity about life on Earth. Our vision is to use our world-
class collections to create and share new knowledge, focusing on Australian Aboriginal and Pacific cultures, Earth and Life Sciences. Our strategic directions outline how we will draw on our continuing excellence in research and collections to deliver an engaging, creative, and vibrant program for the public, while building a strong financial future for our institution. You can read our new Strategic Plan at www. samuseum.sa.gov.au/about/ mission-vision. For our visitors and our community, this new plan means that the Museum will offer ever more programs that tell the authentic stories of South Australia – locally relevant but globally significant. Meanwhile, Spring is a great season for families at the Museum, with our school holiday program bringing the night to life, showcasing the nocturnal creatures of South Australia. There will be a soundscape discovery trail, campfire tales, and plenty of hands-on work for budding scientists. We also have a fun, free family day in October, celebrating our marine life in partnership with the
“… to inspire in all people a wonder and curiosity about life on Earth …”
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Spring is also a chance to be inspired about life on Earth, as experienced through the eyes of artists. This season, you can enjoy Warakurna: All the Stories Got into our Minds and Eyes, an exhibition of contemporary paintings and sculptures that documents a new art movement emerging from the Western Desert community of Warakurna, the Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition, which shares a view of the natural world from Australia’s best photographers, and you can explore life in extreme conditions, with the special exhibition of Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving, pairing photographs from Canadian Geographic with Inuit carvings from our collection to bring the arctic North to life.
Brian Oldman Director, South Australian Museum
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About the South Australian Museum
Come and explore the South Australian Museum – the most visited natural history museum in Australia and one of Australia’s most important scientific and cultural institutions. We’re committed to sharing our specimens, stories and science with you in an interactive and fun environment to inspire lifelong learning and give you an experience you’ll never forget. Wander through five floors of amazing exhibits where you’ll be surprised by nature and fascinated by our stories. The Museum cares for over four million objects and specimens collected over the last 150 years, ranging from minerals and meteorites to polar exploration artefacts and parasitic creatures. Our unique and globally significant collections are a vital part of Australia’s national heritage and the international scientific record and they’re growing every year! Exploring South Australia or Australia for the first time? Start your journey at the gateway to Aboriginal Australia – the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Our collection of Aboriginal material is the largest and most
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comprehensive in existence – a truly international resource. Here you can see Aboriginal artefacts from across the country and watch Aboriginal Australians tell their stories. The South Australian Biodiversity Gallery highlights the extraordinary diversity of the wildlife you’ll encounter on your travels through the different regions of the State. Have the locals been telling you tall tales about our animals?
The Museum’s Information Centre is open every day – our science communicators can answer your questions or identify any specimens you bring in. Generations of Adelaideans have explored the Ancient Egypt gallery, marveled at Nathan the lion in our World Mammals Gallery and rushed up four floors to see our 11-metre-long giant squid from top to bottom. South
The fascinating sea bed display in the First Life: Ediacara Biota gallery on Level 3.
Australia’s unique fossil history is on show in the Fossils Gallery where you’ll find 40 000 year old megafauna fossils, 120 million year old opalised fossils and even 500 million year old Ediacaran fossils from the Flinders Ranges that changed our understanding of evolution. Take some time out between galleries to relax and enjoy a meal in the Museum Café or browse through the Museum Shop, where you’ll find books,
jewellery, toys, cultural artefacts and even fossils. The South Australian Museum is also a major centre of exciting scientific discovery. Behind the scenes, scientists use our collections to understand Australia’s natural and cultural heritage and are world leaders in palaeontology, evolutionary biology, terrestrial invertebrates and mineralogy. Our scientists don’t just stay in the Museum, they take exhibits
to regional areas for our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow. Our music programmes, community initiatives and public events also inspire the community to learn more about our natural environment. Museums are a trusted information resource because they are based on the real thing – the collections. Come and see ‘the real thing’ at the South Australian Museum.
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Plan Your Visit
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To Migration Museum
State Library of South Australia
South Australian Museum
KI N TORE AVEN U E
Whether you’re in for a whole day of exploring or just a quick visit, we’ve got thousands of incredible creatures and spectacular stories to share. The South Australian Museum is on North Terrace in the cultural heart of Adelaide, between the Art Gallery of South Australia and State Library of South Australia. With five floors of exhibits, we’re recognised internationally for the size and breadth of our collections. Our permanent galleries have been favourites for generations of visitors, including the Ancient Egypt gallery and our giant squid that stretches over four floors. We also showcase collections from other museums around the world through visiting exhibitions. Self-guided tours are available at any time or our dedicated volunteers can guide you at 11am on weekdays and 2pm and 3pm on weekends and public holidays. We even run special guided tours on selected days so that you can learn about individual galleries and collections in more detail. Give us a call on 08 8207 7500 or visit www.samuseum.sa.gov.au to find out what’s on and when.
Art Gallery of South Australia
To Rundle Mall
To Government House To Adelaide Railway Station
G AWLER PL ACE
N O RTH TERRACE
If you’ve got questions about what you’ve seen then pop into the Information Centre and have a chat to our friendly and knowledgeable staff. The Museum is an easy walk from accommodation, public transport, car parks and the Rundle Mall shopping precinct. Admission: Entry to the Museum is free. Entry fees may apply for special exhibitions. Service animals are freely admitted. Deaf and hearing impaired tours are available during the year.
To University of Adelaide To Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Getting here: Bus: Bus stop G1 Train: Adelaide Railway Station Tram: Rundle Mall Parking: Street parking on Kintore Ave and commercial car parks on North Terrace
Facilities: Museum Café, Museum Shop, public lawns, parents’ room, wheelchair accessible.
RU N D LE M ALL
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am–5pm. Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
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Main Lift to Levels G 1 M 2 3 Stair to Levels G 1 2 3 Ediacaran Fossils
Southern Lift and stair to Levels G 1 2 3
Mawson
Minerals & Meteorites
Museum Shop Museum CafĂŠ Information Desk Cloaking Toilets Parents Room
Megafauna Fossils
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South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
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Ancient Egypt
Opal Fossils
Stair to Level 1
Mezzanine
Giant Squid
Giant Squid
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Pacific Cultures Gallery Stair to Level M Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
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Information Centre World Mammals Stair to Level M North Foyer
Ground
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Giant Squid
Special Exhibitions
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Special Exhibitions
Whales & Dolphins
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Museum Lawn
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Main Entrance
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Main Foyer
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year 10 October – 30 November 2014
Special Exhibition Gallery Level G 3 2 M 1
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Tickets Adult $7 Concession $5 Under 16 Free
The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition is owned by the South Australian Museum Principal Sponsor
Production Partner Media Partner
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The Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year competition celebrates the natural heritage of the Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea bioregions each year. Finalists are chosen in the categories: Animal Portrait, Animal Behaviour, Animal Habitat, Landscape, Monochrome, Interpretative Photography, Botanical, Threatened Species, Our Impact and Junior, as well as a Portfolio category for the best collection of six or
more images. Photographers go to great lengths to capture breathtaking images of the natural world, before their work goes on show at the South Australian Museum then tours to Western Australia and Tasmania. Above: Angela Robertson-Buchanan, Frog face. Finalist, Threatened Species 2014. Opposite, top: Alan Kwok, A flash of light. Finalist, Animal Portrait 2014. Opposite, bottom: Joel Durbridge, Fairy tale lookout. Finalist, Landscape 2014.
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Warakurna: All the Stories Got into our Minds and Eyes 29 August – 30 November 2014
Aboriginal Cultures Special Exhibition Gallery, Level G 3 2 M 1
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Free entry
Warakurna: All the stories got into our minds and eyes is a travelling exhibition developed and presented by the National Museum of Australia. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
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Warakurna: All the Stories Got into our Minds and Eyes is an exhibition of contemporary paintings and sculptures that document a new art movement emerging from the Western Desert community of Warakurna, a community at the foot of the Rawlinson Ranges in Western Australia, 300 kilometres west of Uluru (Ayers Rock). These paintings combine familiar Western Desert symbols and dots with a more figurative style to recreate scenes of everyday life and to tell historical and contemporary stories. They
are more than simply art – they remember the people and recount the events that have influenced the artists’ lives, ranging from the impact of mining and weapons testing, to community participation in the 2000 Olympics and a visit by the rock band Midnight Oil.
Image: Camel Cull, 2012, by Eunice Yunurupa Porter, courtesy Warakurna Artists, from the collection of the National Museum of Australia
A place to celebrate The South Australian Museum is one of Adelaide’s most prestigious landmarks and an exclusive and imaginative setting. Hosting an event at the Museum means that you are giving your guests an exclusive and extraordinary experience as well as supporting the vital educational, preservation and research role we play in the community. Discover Adelaide’s best kept secret. The South Australian Museum is a place to celebrate. www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/venue-hire functions@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION
Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving 20 September – 12 October 2014
Megafauna Gallery, Level 3 3 2 M 1
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Free entry
Canada’s Arctic: Vibrant and Thriving is a travelling exhibition of Canadian Geographic photographs developed by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in partnership with the Government of Canada Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. This exhibition is presented by the High Commission of Canada, Canberra.
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Canada’s North is a region as vast as it is diverse. Modern conveniences exist alongside thriving traditional cultures in a region that faces both challenges and opportunities. As possibilities emerge to develop the region’s rich natural resources, Canada’s North is poised for an unprecedented economic boom. Careful planning, however, will be necessary to achieve economic and environmental sustainability. This bilingual exhibition of contemporary photographs of the Canadian Arctic gives a brief glimpse into the
lives of Northerners, and offers perspectives on the environment and activities that help shape and influence this vibrant region. Photographs from Canadian Geographic are paired with a display of Inuit carvings from the South Australian Museum’s collection. The carvings represent hunting and domestic situations in the Canadian Arctic and were collected by Bryan and Margaret Burton in the late 1950s. Michelle Valberg’s photograph of youth in Nunavut tackling the challenges and opportunities of life in the Arctic (detail).
South Australian Museum
North Terrace, Adelaide
The Museum CafĂŠ is operated by the South Australian Museum Foundation for the benefit of the South Australian Museum.
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GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery
Level G & Level 1 3 2 M 1
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Principal Sponsor
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The South Australian Museum’s Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery was developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities around Australia. It’s the most comprehensive Aboriginal cultural gallery in the world and provides a fresh perspective on many aspects of Aboriginal culture and history. We encourage you to find your own way pathway through this modern and multi-layered gallery which includes over 3 000 objects and hundreds of photographs from all regions of Australia. The gallery explores the achievements, creativity
and diversity of Australian Aboriginal cultures before the significant impact of European contact. Artefacts, artworks, films, sound recordings, field notebooks and manuscripts are brought to life in the gallery’s many multimedia exhibits that include touch screens, virtual reality sequences, sound recordings and films. Arriving in Australia over 50 000 years ago, Aboriginal people successfully colonised the entire continent, adapting and thriving with elegant solutions to one of the world’s harshest environments. You’ll
discover how Aboriginal people knew when and where to move seasonally and how they used their knowledge of the landscape, plant species and animal behaviour to hunt and gather food. Special modules in the gallery feature the technological achievements of Aboriginal people – from fish-killing boomerangs and bark buckets to chisels and axes. The diversity of tools created by Aboriginal people across Australia is awe-inspiring. Food gathering tools and samples of the foods they ate like wild yams, truffles,
grasshoppers and witchetty grubs are on display, together with plants and techniques used to make medicines and hunting poisons. Storytelling sticks, spinning tops and games as well as ceremonial objects will leave you with a vivid impression of everyday Aboriginal life. The gallery is a living collection – information is widely used by members of Aboriginal communities in genealogical research and has helped many people discover ‘their country’. At the time of European settlement, there were more than 250
Aboriginal language groups across Australia and regional case studies are a major feature of the gallery. Films of Aboriginal people talking about ‘their country’ are used alongside maps and spectacular landscape images to give each region an identity. Come and see Aboriginal people continue to tell their stories through the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Opposite: Museum visitors and the Yuendumu Doors. Above: Part of the Shields display in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.
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GALLERY HIGHLIGHT
South Australian Biodiversity Gallery
Level 2 3 2 M 1
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Principal Sponsor
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From giant squid in the deep Southern Ocean to hopping mice in the hot northern deserts, South Australia is home to a diverse and distinct range of wildlife. The South Australian Biodiversity Gallery at the South Australian Museum celebrates our amazing wildlife across four distinct environmental regions: arid, temperate, coastal and marine. Travelling through South Australia? A visit to this gallery is a must to help you spot and identify the unique wildlife you’ll see during your trip. There are over 12 000 models in the gallery which are so detailed that it’s hard to believe that they won’t spring to life as you approach. Listen to the sounds of the ocean and the birds calling as you wander through the gallery and explore each region through interactive specimen drawers, multimedia interpretive panels, electronic labelling and discovery boards. Play hide and seek with animals at sea, guess which jaws are adapted for biting different foods and learn about corals and sea slugs in our marine environment. The deep sea environment has also been
recreated in ‘Life in the Deep’; a stunning display that stretches over four floors. Its star is an 11-metre-long life-sized model of a giant squid, accompanied by models of its fellow sea creatures like vampire squid, jellyfish and crabs while interactive screens detail the mysterious world of these creatures. South Australia’s wildlife has a well-earned reputation – you can learn about the deadly weapons of our spiders, snakes, octopuses and jellyfish and watch ants defend their nest against intruders. You can match the animal to their desert home, discover which animals only come out at night and even try your hand at matching the scat (poo) to the animal! Want to get involved? Visit the research station within the gallery to learn more about what you can do to help protect our precious biodiversity.
Colourful details from the Rocky Reef display in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery on Level 2.
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Museum Galleries
World Mammals Level G
Take a walk around the world with animals from all geographic regions in the World Mammals gallery. Have you ever wondered how you measure up to an elephant or an elk? Prepared in the early days of the Museum by our excellent taxidermists, our specimens put mammals into perspective, both large and small. Many animals that now call the Museum home actually lived long and happy lives at the Adelaide Zoo – each animal in our gallery has a story to tell.
Whales & Dolphins Main Foyer, Level G
Whales and dolphins are a favourite with many Australians as they symbolise our love of the ocean and its amazing marine life. The Museum has the largest collection of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in Australia – our gallery is just the tip of the iceberg! Right next door to the Museum Café, our display of an 18m sperm whale skeleton – one of the largest ever collected – is not to be missed.
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Pacific Cultures Level M
The Pacific Cultures gallery is the largest exhibition of Pacific material in Australia and a truly remarkable collection of the material cultures of the Pacific. Artefacts are on display from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and New Zealand. The collection has about 3 000 items including spears, shields, utensils, ornaments and ritual objects. Information and images within the gallery help to explain geographic differences and cultural changes over time. You can also learn about the scientists, missionaries, government officers and other collectors who have contributed to the collection. The Pacific Cultures gallery is being preserved as an example of 19th century museum display using the original heritagelisted wall cases and flat cases. This forms a striking contrast to other collections within the Museum.
First Life: Ediacara Biota Level 3
Did you know that fossils of the earliest known forms of animal life were found in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia? The Ediacaran Period is named after the region where these fossils were found and this period is one of the most exciting areas of palaeontology today. South Australia’s truly unique and crucial contribution to our understanding of evolution can be found in this freshly redeveloped gallery. Generously supported by Beach Energy.
Minerals & Meteorites Level 3
Stunning colours, shapes and sizes – they’re all on display in this gallery. You’ll see a ‘rainbow’ of mineral formations, meteorites and even rocks from Antarctica. We’ve handpicked each mineral from our collection that holds over 35 000 specimens – one of the largest in Australia. From diamonds to dolomite, the Minerals gallery showcases material from Australia’s first mines and explores the stories behind each discovery.
South Australian Megafauna Level 3
Ancient Egypt Level 3
Opal Fossils of South Australia Level 3
Giant Squid All Levels
Marvel at the skeletons of megafauna from the Pleistocene era when South Australia was a land rich in animals that were at least one-third bigger than their close relatives. Meet the diprotodon, the world’s largest marsupial that looked like a giant wombat and much more.
In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson Level 3
Sir Douglas Mawson’s vision and determination led to a legacy of inspirational scientific knowledge. In the Footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson is an insight into the remarkable achievements of a man whose scientific curiosity led him everywhere from the hot Australian outback to the frozen Antarctic. The gallery contains many of his personal belongings from three Antarctic expeditions, including his half-sledge, papers and photographs, and gives insights into the science to which he contributed.
Can you imagine finding a mighty marine reptile in the dry opal fields of outback Australia? Come and see the partial skeleton of a six metre long plesiosaur discovered in an Andamookan opal mine along with pieces of the ancient sea bed. You’ll uncover species new to science and fossils from the Moon Plain, a rich hunting ground for fossils from the ancient inland sea.
The Ancient Egypt gallery holds the mummy and coffin of Renpit-Nefert, along with more than 650 artefacts that shed light on Egyptian life. The gallery forms part of our Foreign Ethnology collection that holds over 26 000 items from the Pacific, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Our Life in the Deep display was twelve months in the making and it’s easy to see why – our giant squid extends over four floors!
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Above: Diprotodon, the world’s largest marsupial, in the Megafauna Gallery.
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MUSEUM ONLINE
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Online Science Stories
The South Australian Museum is a major centre of exciting scientific discovery. Each month we tap into the important work being done by our scientists across the globe. Unlocked: Stories from our Scientists is a special online series that features stories about new discoveries, fieldwork, new acquisitions and more. Stay upto-date online at samuseum. sa.gov.au/media/unlocked
Be the first to find out about happenings and special offers at the South Australian Museum by subscribing to our monthly Enews at samuseum.sa.gov.au.
What’s On
Our seasonal What’s On helps you stay in touch with all our upcoming activities and events at the Museum and across the state. It is a carefully created resource designed for you to share with friends and family. What’s On is distributed across Adelaide, and mailed free of charge to subscribers. To sign up today simply email your request to marketing@ samuseum.sa.gov.au
Donate
Donations help us to share our collections, undertake research and tell important stories through our exhibitions and galleries. Make a gift online today and help us to offer many of our much-loved, free educational programmes for South Australian families. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
MUSEUM APPS
South Australian Field Guide App
Explore South Australia’s unique and diverse wildlife at home or in the great outdoors with our Field Guide to South Australian Fauna app. This app is now available to download for free on both Apple and Android devices. The app combines detailed animal descriptions with stunning imagery and sounds to provide a valuable reference you can use in urban, bush and coastal environments. It descriptions of hundreds of species, from minibeasts in your garden, to birds, mammals, lizards and snakes you might see in the bush. We’ve put in a lot of species, but it’s still a fraction of the complete fauna of South Australia. Our scientists will continue to add additional species, additional pictures and sounds, and refine descriptions over time.
One of the many images from the app, a Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) by Tim Groves.
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Ways to Support the Museum
The Museum is thrilled to introduce the new Chair of the South Australian Museum Foundation, Dr Mary Sutherland. Dr Mary Sutherland is delighted to be working with the Museum to support our purpose to inspire in all people a wonder and curiosity about life on Earth. Mary takes over the role of Foundation Chair from the Hon Diana Laidlaw am and says “It is with great pleasure that I commence the role of Foundation Chair to support the South Australian Museum. I would like to acknowledge the vibrancy and leadership of Diana’s Chairmanship of the Foundation and I hope to continue to support the Museum during an exciting
Museums depend on the generosity of individuals, corporations, governments, community groups and associations to reach their full potential. We encourage you to consider becoming involved, to help make a difference and keep the stories flowing.
The South Australian Museum Foundation Dr Mary Sutherland
period of new exhibitions, programmes and continued growth.” Mary worked in private specialist anaesthetic practice until her retirement in 2012 and has been on the Foundation Board of both Walford School and St Peter’s College.
As an independent notfor-profit organisation, the Foundation works to ensure the Museum remains at the forefront of natural history debate, research, and visitor attendance in Australia. The Foundation was established in 2005 to realise the vision for the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery. Since that time it has nurtured relationships to raise vital funds necessary to complete the restoration of the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, to acquire and conserve artefacts, to complete collections, and to extend the Museum’s outreach initiatives to a wider audience. South Australian Museum Foundation Polly Pearson, Foundation Officer 08 8207 7660 polly.pearson@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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The Waterhouse Club
The Waterhouse Club was established in 1987 to provide an innovative approach to the traditional role of a support group, in an era of reducing public sector funding. The Club takes its name from the South Australian Museum’s first Curator, Frederick George Waterhouse. The Club’s annual program offers a fine blend of entertainment and education in the company of the Museum’s award winning researchers and collection managers. The locations for these events range from the Museum’s own special spaces to world-class tourist destinations. The objective of The Waterhouse Club is to make associating with the South Australian Museum fun, while also raising significant funds for the Museum each year. The Club’s goal is to build a network of like-minded, passionate people who are active in the community and able to influence outcomes important to the future of the Museum.
Waterhouse Club Expedition to the Ediacara Fossil Sites, Nilpena Station, South Australia
Please donate
Friends of the South Australian Museum
Consider making a gift when you visit the South Australian Museum. Donation boxes are located in the Main Foyer Information Centre on Level 1 and Mawson Gallery on Level 3, and for a gold coin donation, you can make our T-rex roar! Every donation helps the Museum support life-long learning in the community.
The Friends of the South Australian Museum is dedicated to helping the Museum tell the story of Australia’s unique natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. Founded in 1965, the Friends is an entirely volunteer organisation that raises funds through membership fees, tours and donations in order Donate online to support the South The Museum’s award-winning Australian Museum. website also features an opportunity to donate online – FOSAM simply click “support” and Joy Mallett, President follow the prompts. 08 8207 7389
The Waterhouse Club Natalie Rollinson, Secretariat 08 8203 9802 waterhouseclub@samuseum.sa.gov.au friends@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHT
Out of the Glass Case
At the South Australian Museum, we know that not everyone can come to us. That’s why every year since 2003 we’ve hit the road, taking our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow to regional, rural and remote SA. The roadshow is one of the few programmes of its type in Australia – we take our collections out of their cases (and scientists out of their labs!) to share their latest research with our community. Our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow has travelled over 45 000 kilometres to share our stories, collection items and science, amazing and inspiring over 36 000 people along the way. Our specially-trained staff provide free, interactive and memorable learning experiences that are suitable for all students. We work with schools and communities to provide curriculumlinked sessions and public programmes that promote cultural connections, help people learn more about their region and other cultures and environments. The roadshow isn’t just for students – everyone gets involved in our community
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Student from the 2013 Out of the Glass Case Roadshow to the APY lands.
events which include field days, interactive activities and talks. Since 2010, the Out of the Glass Case Roadshow has been visiting the Anangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. It provides an opportunity for people in remote communities to engage with Museum stories and our collections. We’ve
taken young people on a quick trip through four and a half billion years of history and shared stories about discovery, nature and culture. Our team gets a real buzz out of the roadshows too. People in rural and remote areas often have great first-hand knowledge of their environment and the enthusiasm of the young
NORTH
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
ADELAIDE
Out of the Glass Case destinations 2003–2014 people (and the adults!) really inspires our team. From the oldest of fossils to newly discovered species, our Out of the Glass Case Roadshow gives people of all ages an unforgettable museum experience. It can open discussion on pathways for further education in science, natural and cultural history. It’s also a great chance for
students to see research in action, discover the relevance of science in everyday life linking the past, present and future. Generously supported by the Wood Foundation and a private philanthropic fund.
Sponsors
Leeanne Bloomfield, Outreach Officer 08 8207 7518 leeanne.bloomfield@samuseum.sa.gov.au
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Programmes
Information Centre
Information Centre
This is the place to go if you have any questions! Our team knows all about our exhibits and can even help identify any specimens you bring in. If you do manage to stump them with a tricky question, they have our scientists on call to help find the answer. Whether it’s looking with our microeye into a secret world, or watching our bees make honey, the Information Centre is a free, hands-on, fun and inspiring experience for visitors of all ages. Open weekdays 11am– 4pm, 11am–3pm on weekends and public holidays. Closed 25 Dec – 1 Jan. Telephone 08 8207 7404. Generously supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation.
Tell Me a Story
Join Emma, Ninian or Stephen for an interactive story time designed especially for kids aged 3–5 years. These 30 minute sessions centre on real objects from our collections and use story, song, dance and poetry to surprise and inspire. Sessions are free and run twice a day on weekdays, one week of every month, from March to November. Every child receives a free take home gift. Bookings online are essential.
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School Holiday Programme collections in more detail. For over 30 years we’ve been running holiday programmes that engage and entertain children of all ages. These programmes are developed to inspire life-long learning, and there’s something new on offer every holiday. Holidays are a great time to join in special programmes and discover amazing objects and stories. Generously supported by the Thyne Reid Foundation.
For private or large-group tours of 10 people or more, please contact the Friends of the South Australian Museum.
Sprigg Lecture Series
The Sprigg lectures commemorate the life of a remarkable South Australian, Dr Reg Sprigg ao. Not only did he discover the world’s oldest fossilised animals in the Flinders Ranges, he also founded the Arkaroola Guided Tours Wilderness Sanctuary. This Unlock more of the Museum’s lecture series celebrates the secrets with a free guided tour. ongoing spirit of scientific Our friendly and knowledgeable discovery, expedition and volunteers offer daily tours that endeavour. Lectures are take in the highlights of our free but bookings online collections. They also provide are essential. Generously special tours of selected galleries supported by Beach Energy to explore the Museum’s and Bundaleer Wines.
Calendar
*Places are limited, please book online.
September–November 2014
Date
Time
What’s On
Location
Admission
Mon–Fri
11am
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer
Free
Sat, Sun & Public Hols
2pm, 3pm
Guided tours
Meet in Main Foyer
Free
1–5 Sep
Meet in Main Foyer 10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Homes & 11–11.30am Here’s a house made of bricks, here’s a house at The Nest made of sticks. Get up close to see how animals make a home. Suitable for ages 3–5.
1–5 Sep
School hours
Upper Spencer Out of the Glass Case Roadshow Gulf Schools The Museum travels to the Upper Spencer Gulf area, including Kadina Primary School, Maitland Area School, Point Pearce Aboriginal School and Wallaroo Primary School.
15–19 Sep
School hours
Western APY Out of the Glass Case Roadshow The Museum travels to the Western APY Lands Lands Schools and remote communities, including Amata Anangu School, Pipalyatjara Anangu School, Wingellina Remote School & Mutijulu School.
26 Sep – 9 Nov
9am–5pm
Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize Exhibition tour to the National Archives
29 Sep – 3 Oct
11am–3pm
Fees apply School Holiday Programme: Night Creatures South Australian Storytelling, self-guided trail, torchlight tours Biodiversity Gallery, for some activities* and live animals. Programme information and Level 2 bookings online.
13–17 Oct
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: At the Beach & 11–11.30am Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide to get ready for a trip to the beach. Suitable for ages 3–5.
Meet in Main Foyer
Free*
3–7 Nov
10.15–10.45am Tell Me a Story: Mammals and Me & 11–11.30am Travel around the world to visit your furry favourites. Suitable for ages 3–5.
Meet in Main Foyer at The Nest
Free*
4 Nov
6pm. Doors open 5.30pm for pre-lecture drinks
Sprigg Lecture: Bio-Banking Frogs for Future Climate Change Professor Michael Mahony, School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle, NSW
Main Foyer
Free*
20 Nov
9.30–12.30
Armoury Gallery Indigenous IP Master Class A workshop to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists protect their intellectual property. For bookings, contact IP Australia: chris.hayward@ipaustralia.gov.au or 0404 822 625.
Free*
National Archives of Free Australia, Canberra
Free, bookings via IP Australia.
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Iridescence From the Collections of the South Australian Museum
12 December 2014 – 15 March 2015 Discover iridescence – the apparent magic of colour without pigment – in this exhibition of shimmering, multi-coloured brightness from across human cultures and the natural world.