If you’re planning a visit to Adelaide in the first few months of 2025, here’s a few ideas that are a must to add to the itinerary.

These are just a few of the current exhibitions and attractions in town at the moment or coming soon, and they’re all only in Adelaide.

Chihuly in the Botanic Garden

This installation of sculptures by contemporary glass artist Dale Chihuly, is showing now until the 29^th of April, and features 15 large scale pieces throughout the green and lush Adelaide Botanic Garden.

The artist is known for his large scale public exhibitions of intricate glass art and chandeliers and has exhibited in cities such as Venice, Jerusalem and Montreal.

In Adelaide the artworks are spread over a distance of approximately two kilometres and all are accessible by a series of pathways. It is free to see the outdoor sculptures during the day and the Botanic Garden on North Terrace, is open from 7.15am to 6.30pm on weekdays and from 9am on weekends and public holidays.

For a different perspective you can also buy tickets for night viewing of the sculptures, where they will take on a dramatic look with lighting effects. Tickets for the night viewing experience are $25 for adults and includes the addition of a conservatory exhibition and live music. Gates open for the evening viewing from 7.45pm.

Radical Textiles – Art Gallery of South Australia

Art and fabric combine in this exhibition which features the use of textiles by artists and designers from the past 150 years.

The exhibition includes the work of more than 100 artists, designers and activists and features fashion, banners, flags and tapestries which show how textiles have been behind some of the biggest moments of social change.

The exhibition encompasses everything from suffragette banners to drag queen fashion and even has the former SA Premier Don Dunstan’s pink shorts which he wore to parliament in November 1972 to symbolise his government’s solidarity with the queer community. Radical!

Radical Textiles is a ticketed event with an adult entry costing $30, and the exhibition is on until 30 March 2025.

MOD – Museum of Discovery

I love the University of Adelaide’s Museum of Discovery, it always leaves you with questions to ponder after visiting this space where science, art and innovation intersect.

Their current exhibition is called ‘Forever’, and it’s a deep dive into topics like consciousness, DNA, the passage of time, seasons and the circularity of time, scent and memories, perceptions of aging, endings and infinity.

MOD is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays – 10am to 5pm.

Adelaide Fringe

Fringe is the biggest arts festival in Australia and from when it began 64 years ago, it’s grown to become a huge event that runs for 31 days and draws visitor to the state from near and far.

There truly is something for everyone with events held in the city and regional areas, at indoor and outdoor venues, some events are free and others ticketed and there are thousands of artists covering everything from comedy, visual arts, drama, music, magic and so much more.

It’s a brilliant time to visit the city and catch the buzz. The hub of the festival is in the east parklands which transforms into ‘The Garden of Unearthly Delights’ while the fringe is on. The area is full of circus like tents for performances, food trucks and dining venues, market stalls and plenty of spaces to just sit and take it all in.

The dates of the Fringe are 21 February – 23 March 2025.

Enjoy

Glenys