Museum of Economic Botany Adelaide South Australia

The Museum of Economic Botany in Adelaide is a survivor from the nineteenth century’s era of scientific curiosity. Founded in 1881 by Dr. Richard Schomburgk, then Director of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the museum was designed to demonstrate the practical and cultural value of plants. His vision reflected a global movement to explore how flora could support economies, industries, and societies. Located within the Adelaide Botanic Garden, the museum’s building is of neoclassical design, with a sandstone façade.

From the beginning, the museum aimed to educate the public about the usefulness of plants in daily life. It presented specimens showing how nature could produce everything from medicines to fibres, dyes, and foods. Today, the museum continues this educational purpose, connecting historical understanding with modern perspectives on sustainability and biodiversity.

The Collection

Inside, the museum’s collection is both fascinating and visually striking. Thousands of plant specimens, models, and artefacts are displayed in original nineteenth-century wooden cabinets. Each item reveals how plants have shaped human history and continue to influence contemporary life. The displays include timber samples, plant-based textiles, seeds, gums, and resins from across the world. Many of these specimens were collected through colonial trade networks, reflecting both scientific ambition and global exchange.

Importantly, the museum balances this historical narrative with modern interpretation. Recent exhibitions highlight First Nations plant use and cultural knowledge, broadening the story beyond European science.

Restoration and Continuing Relevance

The museum underwent major restoration in 2009, preserving its historic integrity while updating its interpretive displays. The refurbishment revived the original colour schemes, polished the intricate woodwork, and improved environmental conditions for the fragile collections. The result is an elegant balance between heritage and innovation. Visitors can now experience the space much as nineteenth-century audiences did, yet with the benefit of modern interpretation and accessibility.

Today, the Museum of Economic Botany remains an important part of the Adelaide Botanic Garden’s educational mission. It complements the garden’s broader focus on plant science, conservation, and cultural understanding.