The Migration Museum is a social history museum located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is one of the three museums operated by the History Trust of South Australia. It deals with the immigration and settlement history of South Australia, and maintains both a permanent and a rotating collection of works. Founded as an initiative of the State government in 1983, and with the museum opening on 23 November 1986, the Migration Museum in Adelaide is the oldest museum of its kind in Australia. The museum aims to promote cultural diversity and multiculturalism, which they define as including aspects of ethnicity, class, gender, age and region. The site is located on Kintore Avenue between the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum and the University of Adelaide, in a complex of early colonial bluestone buildings set around a courtyard, including the city's former destitute asylum (from 1850–1918). Before this, the site was the location of the "Native School", which aimed to educate aboriginal children. The Migration Museum has a full program of activities including education programs for school groups, public events and family friendly fun.

I have live in South Australia now for 11 years and recall my first visit to the migration museum some 9 years ago, the museum was packed with information about the struggles that the new settlers of past years went through. My Auntie arrived from England and I decided to take her around the museums and galleries in the City, I recommended the migration museum and as we arrived we were welconed by the team there. As we walked around the museum I noted that boards had been placed in there listing information about the invasion, then as I waked inside there was a video with an aboriginal woman talking about the stolen generation etc.... now I am aware of the hardship an struggles the Indigenous communities face as I have worked in central Australia but I fail to see why since my last visit how the museum has gone from a celebration of migrants to a very heavy feeling of invasion. There was a suggestion board with terrible language on there relating to my culture and of course that of my Aunts. I will not be taking anymore of my family here as the museum has become a beating stick to hit migrants with.

The Migration Museum is a great site to visit in Adelaide, being the only of its kind I’ve personally seen! Here you’ll see exhibitions of a variety of cases and histories about migration through Australia and South Australia. At the time of me visiting, this included two series of artworks telling stories of the Aboriginal people and the impact of European colonisation, some series of older maps of the world and such, then going into modern history such as the White Australia Policy, refugee crisis, etc. Overall a lovely place to visit to learn about some aspects of migration history here. I say “some” because while the museum does have a variety of cases of migration, most of it appears to focus onto the negative parts (White Australia Policy, refugees, colonisation, etc) which is good to know and learn, but it might be disappointing if you were expecting more of the positive parts.

I had a big expectation, but turned out to be a low-level, very depressive, far from logical exhibition, with bad design (you can't read them properly,plus it's stuck in the 70s design). It's rather a "migration" museum, because immigration museum should represent, how the many different nations' cultures affect and make richer, diverse and complex the Australian culture, not only when and where they were coming from. I feel sorry about it, as it should be such an important museum, where people of all ages and nations can find excellent, mindblowing inspirations. But not. It's time to 'immigrate' a new design, management, concept, and 21st century design.

We literally had this as #2 thing to do in Adelaide. We had read the “Our Australian Girl” series and my 2 daughters and I were excited to see and hear more. Oh my gosh it was such a let down! Kids so not considered in the layout and display, only 1 of the interactive items worked although it would put most people to sleep. An attempt with a booklet for kids was cute but the layout is too boring to engage most people ... please Migration Museum, close down for 6 months, get in someone great and start again. We need to feel what migration was like not just look at some old artefacts.

This a very insightful point of attraction for people from all walks of life as the exhibits detail many reasons for immigration. The souvenirs section touches on objects that incite feelings of nostalgia while the latter part of the museum goes through the period of colonisation and beyond. I also thoroughly enjoyed the outer building that goes through the history of the buildings when they used to be lying in homes for women young and old. Children will love the interactive displays while adults immerse themselves in this history of migration both locally and domestically.

Visited the migration museum on 27 April 22. Love how the exhibit talks about the history of migration to Australia and to some extent Adelaide. My favorite bit was the recent coverage of migrants experiences from 2000s onwards and how they felt about certain events. Really authentic interviews on how migrants felt welcomed in Aussie. Remember to visit the visitor information for a map on how to navigate the area. Unfortunately, they were renovating some of the exhibits during my visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This museum is free and you can make a donation. We visit every two years because the displays change. It is a very emotional visit and it shows the incredible diversity of the Australian population. There is plenty to keep the kids amused and adults will cry at some of the exhibits. As South Australians we are and should be proud of this space. Well done 10/10
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The migration museum does a really good job at showing the history of where immigrants have come from during different periods of time, how our policies have changed towards immigrants over the years, and how the cultures brought into Australia influenced our nation to make it the multicultural society it is today. Great effort was made to set this museum up, and the entry fee is small. Toilet facilities are available.

We decided to visit the Migration Museum, as my friends hadn't been there & I hadn't been there for a few years. Sigh, lets just say I was hugely disappointed & so were my friends. It's changed & not for the better. My friends & I wondered what a couple if the displays had to do with migration. The things they did have that were to do with migration was excellent, but they could have more. Won't be going there again.

This museum was a real eye opener for Australian as well as international guests. The museum tells the interesting tales of migration to South Australia in particular but also of all Australia more broadly since collinization. A lot of hard truths in evidence here and certainly would change some peoples worldview. Highly recommend a visit to this venue. Free entry and takes 1 to 2 hours to take it all in.

It is indeed a very small museum but has lots of information about Adelaide history. What I really liked about it is that it tells you stories of real people from both points of view, invasion and immigration. It was extremely touching and moving to see all the bricks with people names and countries of origins in front of the museum. I will definitely come back and have more careful look at exhibition.

The South Australia Migration Museum is such a great place to visit and learn about the history and see different kinds of arts and story in each block of the building. A wonderful place to bring kids to see fake animals (but they looked like real ones), so then they know what they called for came from in the world. We had experienced and fun there. THANKS MUSEUM

Free admission. I really liked the small size of the museum. I'm the kind of person that reads all the historical information so I'm happy that everything was concise and essential. I spent around 1.5h and I think that it's hard to spend more time there. For its size it's very well made, maintained, and accurate. Go learn about how Adelaide came to be!

An interesting memorial to the hardships & adaptations of historical migrations. Lacks information about what people were leaving - the drivers & losses of leaving home - but has much fun nostalgia about the communities they built. I saw nothing about those they displaced but might have overlooked it. Would like to see more contemporary material too.

You'll need to really read every bit of information in there to appreciate it. So it turns out that South Australia (and other parts besides Sydney and Tasmania) was the "go to" for migration without looking like a convict. There's also plenty of information on the impact of colonization to the aboriginal society and how that was remedied over time.

The story of South Australia, good and bad, within some of Adelaide's Original Buildings. I thoroughly enjoyed the displays and gleaning through the information available. I had an hour to kill before work and believe I was only one/fifth of the way through the displays, I shall return to continue! Entry is free, with the option to donate.

I found it very clinical and political correct, way too much reading and not much viewing the small history of beginnings of Australia where placed separately and very scarce information compared to when I went 10 or so years ago. Did not enjoy. Having said that it's free
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

The Migration Museum is Australia‘s oldest museum for immigration promoting the cultural diversity of SA and supporting its understanding. It showcases the history of the people in South Australia and impresses with its beautiful collection and easy approach to the topic. Entrance is free, donations are welcome.

I generally love these sort of places but was sorely disappointed by what was on offer here. There was of course a significant amount about the White Australia Policy and the atrocities committed over the years but next to nothing about the actual hardships endured by the pioneers of Australia.

It tells the story of different ethics migrated to Australia, how did they settled and how did they see themselves blending to the Australian community. It's an eye opening to lots of stories. Recommended
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Was a bit disappointed, wasn't as informative as I thought it'd be. You could only go inside one of the buildings, I just didn't feel like I got the whole picture or as much information as I could have.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Small museum but where we should and can learn about the whole history of migration in Australia. It has garments and items for use from aborigines and early explorers to the present day.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

This museum is a hidden treasure! It is so interesting. May be small in size but the displays are interesting and the staff and volunteers are very knowledgable and only too happy to answer questions. Spent an entire afternoon here...just taking it all in. Highly recommend.

Interesting and confronting insight into an undesirable part of our history. Well worth the time to visit. Gold coin donation for entry. Photos welcome as long as flash is not used. The videos in the Indigenous Australian section are worth the time to watch. Recommended.

Perhaps the best tap water I've ever had. I like that they glamorise immigration as well. I left feeling like Mr. Fabulous the Glamorous. Next time somebody makes a racism joke at me I will just clap three times and scream 'MIGRATION MUSEUM'. It's an Engineering joke.

We decided to visit on a whim. To be honest, I was a little disappointed but still glad we attended. The was 3 main galleries and I think we had seen them all within an hour.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great museum to discover the history and culture of almost all Australians. There are three different displays within the museum and only one of the displays is permanent. The museum also has items which are part of the Australian Commonwealth Government.

A very informative museum, would love to go on my own one day! However, taking young kids (7 and under) was tricky. There’s not a lot they can do to interact - found them bored very quickly. Would definitely say this is more suited for teenagers and adults.

My father is a migrant but his name is not on data base. I searched some other names but those where not there either. Seems this place is for very few nationals.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great stories but needs an update or review. Saw more or less same some t years ago and whilst history doesn't change, renewal is always good. Would recommend to visitors viewing this for the first time as good info. Very noisy floorboards ......

A free museum that is informative and thought provoking. The exhibits are interactive, really well thought out, and change every so often so you see new things everytime you go. I recommend everyone who visits Adelaide (or lives here) to see it!

This museum is very well done and really helped me understand. It is free. Close to the Australia Museum, Art Gallery and State Library and Botanical Gardens
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

An interesting insight into Australian history. Told as it happened rather than trying to rewrite the past. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Adelaide.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

If you're new to South Australia or Adelaide and curious to know about the history of migrants and their origin, then this place is absolutely worth it for you. It will take you through a journey of time of how, when and what were the

Friendly and helpful staff, pleasant environment, great place to see history of different culture and lifestyle. A must to see if you are in Adelaide.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Fascinating museum with exhibits from around the world. Loved the old birthing house the most with the names and dated of all the babies born there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

all about migration to the new world in southern hemisphere edutainment. I learnt how people going down from Europe to this new territory as free people, plan of the city of adelelaide in those time with beautiful surrounding garden.

Interesting and informative displays and media that are housed in some of Adelaide's beautiful and historic buildings. Well worth the visit to understand Australia's important historical path and where we might be headed. Thankyou .

It was an amazing experience. I went there awhile ago to see the Arabic Culture special exhibition. The entrance is free. Definitely worth going.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I really love the place. It's a place where school kids can learn the truth about South Australian Aboriginal past stories. Else, It's a place of worth a visit by anyone who has interest in South Australia past colonial stories.

I haven't been in a while. What I did get to look at was very interesting. Will come back and look at the rest of the museum another day!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great museum with wonderful and extraordinary stories. This is museum of people whom are wasn't success to rich Australia as well .I have a visit with my son and remained him that he is one of immigration nation.

Interesting facts about Australia and the migration to this country. Its free and taking donations which you can pay by card
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A great peak into recent history, this museum is very grounded in the local area. Free temporary exhibitions are always interesting and the main exhibition is good with some interactive options for the kids.

Great social history on the first migrants to Adelaide and their impact. Very clean with lots of information, and awesome location. Free entry means you can pop in and enjoy the air conditioned space anytime

It was OK but I don't recommend it for young children because there is quite a lot of reading involved. I recommend it for adults, and if your Croatian you might see someone you know or even yourself. …

Great Information about SA unique experience and it's clear that the immigration policies we're tough on many races. I'm glad that you're very clear about what happened to the Aboriginals past and present.

Great place to pass a spare hour or so Museum has interesting variety of exhibits, within easy walk of Rundle Mall
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great opening to the exhibition based on UK ( mostly English ) immigration to Australia. The rare roast beef & horseradish cream served on a Yorkshire pudding was a perfect complement to the stories.

Really interesting....filled in the gaps from what we saw at the South Australian Museum. Very informative signage, allow plenty of time. The exhibition of Afghani clothing and culture is excellent.

Immigration was not an easy, streets laden with gold for many. They battled so the next generation did not have to. This museum gives the story a moving and informative human touch.

Very good and informative museum, albeit small. A must for every local history buffs and a fantastic place to take the kids, to teach them about the settlement of South Australia

Grab a day and fill it full of some fantastic historic history that makes up Adelaide, learn more about this beautiful city we live in from the migration museum. It's free entry!

Great museum, I learned so much of the Australian migration history. Make sure to visit it during the weekend and get one of the free guided tour. Thanks for a wonderful visit!!

Must visit. If you are interested in history the connection between the early immigrants and especially SA history is very interesting. I may say the exibits are outstanding!

Definitely worth the stop. Truthful telling of the settlement of OZ and the story of the aboringal people's. Melbourne is the second or third largest greek city after Athens.

We are so lucky these buildings exist. The exhibitions are well done and the staff are really helpful re info about early SA. well worth a look if you like local history.

Free museum that describes the history of immigration in Australia. Recommend for any visitor to visit to learn about migrants to Australia and how they shaped Australia.

A great place to visit! Small but very informational, lovely staff happy to answer your questions and the kids also enjoy play the scavenger hunt and crafts afterwards.

Fantastic place with some hard hitting facts. Told things as they are and was a refreshing change. Great friendly staff, would love to bring more students here again.

It should not be called an immigration museum. The contents are a bit messy, except that Australia, as an immigrant country, is inclusive of the people of the world.

A really interesting visit. Exhibits were well presented and informative. Spent much longer there than anticipated. Free entry but a voluntary donation can be made.

Very interesting place to visit teaching many things that you don't think about
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Love looking at the Migration Museum . Great to see.what.tools were used. And the different kind of clothing that was warn. There's also sorts of things to look at.

The exhibitions have been varied. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Was good to hear some of our history. Some displays not working & was lacking a tour guide or at least a self guided tour map. May have been limited by covid.

Museum is providing some great information about the history of migration to SA. It is great place to go if interested in how things were like 100 years ago.

Free Entry. With the visit. Well established well set up. With the visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great museum with amazing stories about real people. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Really interesting museum about migration. I was curious about the history of South Australia migration and now I have got all the answers to my questions.

Currently only half open. Lots to read but not much for the kids to do.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting information on Australia migration history, interactive section also good for children; nice but also sad courtyard. Real stories are presented

Adelaide should be proud to have the world's first museum dedicated to migration. Tis a great place, filled with friendly people and interesting exhibits.

Amazing meusum to learn history of Australia and how did migration happen from rest of the country to Australia. History lovers should visit it definitely

A bit unstructured and lack of information. Would be nice if the history would have started from the first steps Dutch and English stepped on Australia

Does not have enough exhibits. Does not have much about any South Australian migrants or their family history.... The buildings were most interesting.

Lots of history about SA here with the migrants emigrating after WW2. I only had 30 minutes to explore but i will be back. Entrance is by donation

Very informative and interesting. Close proximity to other places of interest. Lovely space
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Small museum in Adelaide. Packed with exhibitions and information. Very good and free. Good location in the city centre near the Art Gallery.

I expected a lot more inside but I was disappointed in the content. The museum outdoor area was larger than the actual museum. Not impressed.

We visited today and went on the guided tour which is free as is the entry. A very interesting museum that every South Aussie should visit.

What a gem of a place. I am embarrassed to say that I had never been to this museum. Well worth the visit. Entrance fee is a donation.

This is really good museum. Full information and things about migration to Australia. You can see textile, photos, and many others.

A very special place for history. A place of gratitude and communion amongst first Australians and all the migrants thereafter!

It's not to big, but I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of information and exhibits with a lot of interesting history.

An interesting, yet overlooked, museum in the North Terrace district. Add this to your itinerary and you won't be disappointed.

Well worth seeing!! Very interesting as to how we have progressed!
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Little lovely museum! We went first because they hosted an animation workshop then we did the LEGO trail and had a lot fun.

Nice free museum to spend an hour or two. Panels are a little dated but they run on donations, so do keep up the good work!

Very interesting place worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A very touchy and interesting place to spend some hour of your tour to Adelaide. Highly recommended for visitors to do so.

Very wall setout very good apart from there was a lot of school children there and really couldn't walk through exhibits

Such a great place to learn about all things south Australian not the biggest of museums but still well worth the visit

Interesting but rather a small collection. Pleasant to walk through
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Well maintained, civer whole area
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very interesting and informative.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I recently Migrated from India to Adelaide through 489 Skilled Visa. I must say every Migrant Must visit this place.

A hidden gem and the woman guide we had on the free tour was a mind of useful information. Would highly recommend it

Loved the history and displays
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No