Art & heritage collections

The University’s Visual Art (VA) Collection has its origins in the generous gifts and donations of University officials and benefactors. From the 1960s to 1980s a Works of Art Fund was established by University of Adelaide staff who contributed money for the purchase of artworks. A wide range of Modern Australian art was acquired, and this forms the core of the Collection. Today the Collection extends to encompass high quality Contemporary Australian art that resonates with University values and its place in the visual world.

The Adelaide University Union Visual Art Collection is also cared for as part of the VA Collection. 

Original works of art from the VA Collection are loaned to approved University spaces via the Internal Art Loan Program. The Program is currently paused for new loans, however if there is an existing loan which requires moving please contact Special Collections via the Services Hub.

Adelaide University and its predecessor institutions have featured significantly in the political, social and cultural life of South Australia. Since the establishment of the University of Adelaide in 1874, being the third oldest University in Australia, many items pertaining to that history have been collected and preserved across each profession and discipline. 

A considerable range of educational tools dating back to the early days of the University have also been preserved including charts, models and identification kits. This collection is of interest as a reflection of the changing nature of teaching, as well as for the variety of artefacts and the unique qualities of their production. 

Advancements in science rapidly render many scientific research and teaching tools redundant. Over the years, samples of scientific apparatus, such as kymographs, telescopes, precision microscopes, and ophthalmoscopes, have been accessioned into this collection. The collection also contains agriculture and viticulture equipment and teaching tools, and heritage furniture from the University’s antecedent institutions.