Adopt an Object
Adopt your favourite item from our collection and support your Museum
How it works
Adopt an Object is a new and exciting way to help preserve the Museum’s collections for future generations.
The South Australian Museum has kept these treasures safe and sound for many years - centuries in some cases. By virtually adopting one of these popular pieces for one year - either for yourself, or as a gift for someone special - you'll be adding your name to its unique history and contributing to its future.
Simply browse through the list of 24 of our favourite objects from the collection, handpicked by Museum staff. Click "view" to find out more information about each object. There's no limit to the number of individual objects you can adopt, and all adoptions are tax-deductible.
As a thank you for your support, adopters will receive:
- A personalised adoption certificate
- Information about the object’s significance in history and quarterly updates
- Acknowledgement on the Adopt an Object website
- Adoption donations of $500 and above will include a special behind-the-scenes curated tour, featuring your adopted object
If you'd prefer not to adopt one of our chosen objects, please consider making a general donation to support the conservation and preservation of our irreplaceable collections. Thank you!
Choose an object
Choose one or more of our 24 unique objects available for adoption
Personalise it
Let us know what name you would like to include on the adoption certificate
Make a difference
Your tax-deductible adoption donation will help conserve our significant collections
Choose an object
If you do not wish to adopt an object, please consider making a tax deductible donation to support the care and preservation of our collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my adopted object?
No, the object will remain in the care of the South Australian Museum. Adopting the object will not give adopter's any rights over the object itself or images unless otherwise agreed by the South Australian Museum.
Can I adopt any object in the Museum?
Objects that are not featured online or in printed collateral as part of this campaign are not available for adoption. If you would like to suggest an object for inclusion please email us at foundation@samuseum.sa.gov.au
Will the object list change?
The South Australian Museum team may alter the adoption lists at any time. If objects are removed from the list, existing adopters may still be able to renew their adoption if they wish, depending on the reason for removal.
Can I give an extra donation to the Museum that is not associated with an object?
Yes, you can choose to give a general donation to support the care of our collections. Or, you can choose to provide an extra donation in addition to your adoption during the payment process.
How long until I receive my Certificate of Adoption?
Please allow up to 10 working days to receive your Certificate of Adoption. If you do not receive your Certificate within this period please contact us at foundation@samuseum.sa.gov.au
How long does my adoption last?
Adoption is for one year. Existing adopters will be invited to renew their adoption before the end of the twelve-month period.
How many times can an object be adopted?
Each object has a limited number of adoption opportunities. These can be found on the 'view' page for each object. The higher the adoption value, the lower the number of opportunities. There is no limit to the number of objects an individual person can adopt.
Is the adoption donation tax-deductible?
Yes, the adoption 'fee' is a tax-deductible donation. A tax receipt will be issued upon payment of the donation.
Can I adopt objects as a gift?
Yes, please ensure you enter the gift recipients name while selecting your object. The Certificate of Adoption and Fact Sheet will be sent to the purchaser. If you prefer them to be sent to the gift recipient directly please contact us at foundation@samuseum.sa.gov.au
Can I visit my adopted object?
A behind-the-scenes tour of some of the objects will be available for adoptions valued at $500 and above. Tour dates to be arranged by the Museum and confirmed with individual adopters. The Museum cannot commit to the public display of all objects. Adopters will be notified if/when they become available for public display.
