Santos Museum of Economic Botany

Discover the importance of plants in our lives in this fascinating museum that is nestled in the heart of Adelaide Botanic Garden. The museum displays plant specimens, models and creations from across the globe, and explains how they have been (and still are) used for a variety of uses. Find out where inks come from, what plants have been used as medicine and, of course, plant foods. See mummified linen, giant seeds and much more! It's the last museum of its kind in the world, and home to an amazing permanent collection, much of which dates back to the original museum display 130 years ago. Also on show are regular intriguing, beautiful and immersive exhibitions which are sure to inspire. The building is a treasure in itself and has been lovingly restored featuring many original details. Permanent Collections Fruit Model Showcase - made in Germany these incredibly life-like papier-mâché fruit models are for more than just admiring; they were used to educate farmers on establishing crops in the 1800s. Fungi Model Showcase - can you spot the real fungi? Challenge yourself as you explore the collection of 210 papier-mâché models showcasing fungi in different stages of growth. 'Grove' - be spellbound as you discover artist Fiona Hall’s cabinet of curiosities that explores the relationship between nature and culture.