If you’re looking to buy original art in Adelaide, you don’t need to stick to the same well-worn gallery circuit. Sure, the big names have their place, but tucked between laneways, warehouses and weekend markets is a thriving creative scene packed with local artists, collectives and one-off events.
Whether you're after a bold new piece for your home, a special gift, or something to build your art collection, Adelaide is full of unexpected places to discover and buy original works. Here's where to go when you want to explore beyond the major art galleries in Adelaide.
Not every Adelaide art gallery is just for browsing. These spots showcase local and national talent, and most feature works available for purchase.
Tucked inside a converted warehouse in Thebarton, Praxis Artspace is a creative hub that offers more than your typical gallery visit. It’s all about showcasing bold, thought-provoking work from both up-and-coming and well-established Australian artists. Think painting, sculpture, performance, film and everything in between.
You’ll find regular exhibitions, artist talks and events that give you a glimpse into the stories behind the art. It’s a great spot for collectors or anyone keen to take home something unique and meaningful. With resident artists working in on-site studios, there’s always something fresh taking shape.
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In the Adelaide CBD, BMGART is a long-standing favourite for anyone interested in contemporary and Indigenous Australian art. The gallery showcases a good mix of artists working across painting, sculpture, mixed media and more, with regular exhibitions that are fresh, thoughtful and always worth a visit.
One of the best parts? Their dedicated Stockroom Gallery Space. It’s a curated collection of works from their archives, including pieces that have never been shown before. You’ll find everything from works on paper and photography to ceramics and sculpture, with artists spanning from the late 1960s through to today.
The space is constantly changing as new works are added and others find their new homes. Everything on display is available to buy, and prices reflect current market value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just browsing, it's a great place to discover something unexpected.
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Looking for a more personal way to buy art? Hill Smith Art Advisory offers exactly that. The team brings decades of experience and strong connections with artists, galleries and collectors from across Australia.
Rather than a traditional gallery setup, they help you source, select or commission artworks that suit your style, space and budget. Whether you're a first-time buyer or building a collection, they make the whole process feel easy and tailored just for you.
It’s all about thoughtful advice, regular updates on available works, and a genuine passion for connecting people with great art.
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JamFactory is a bit of an Adelaide treasure. Nestled in the West End, it’s a creative hub that’s been championing Aussie craft and design for over 50 years. It’s part gallery, part shop, and part artist studio all rolled into one, showcasing gorgeous local handmade ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery and more.
They also run a two-year program that helps up-and-coming makers sharpen their skills and get their work out there. If you’re out in the Barossa, their Seppeltsfield space is well worth a visit. Housed in beautifully restored stables, it’s home to a bunch of regional artists crafting everything from knives to hats and ceramics.
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Some of the best art in Adelaide can be found in the most unexpected places. Markets, festivals and pop-up events offer the chance to meet artists face-to-face and take home something truly unique.
The South Australian Living Artists Festival transforms the entire state into one big open gallery. Artists exhibit in cafés, studios, shopfronts and even private homes. Most of the work is for sale, and you’ll often find hidden gems.
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Held a few times each year, Bowerbird Design Market is a curated mix of art, illustration and design. It’s a great place to pick up smaller pieces or prints from emerging artists.
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Fringe isn’t just about theatre and comedy. This visual arts program also includes pop-ups, exhibitions and installations across the city. Many works are priced to sell, and there's always something interesting to discover.
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If you want to buy directly from the artist or even commission something special, Adelaide’s artist-run spaces and studios are worth visiting.
The Mill hosts exhibitions, residencies and open studio events. This creative hub is a great way to see work up close and support artists directly.
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An artist-run initiative since 2008, FELTspace has become a key spot for emerging and experimental visual art in Adelaide’s Central Market district. They focus on supporting early-career artists and providing a non-commercial, non-institutional space to show new work. It’s an important place for discovering fresh talent and engaging with cutting-edge ideas.
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Floating Goose Studios is an independent artist-run gallery and studio space focused on supporting emerging artists. They welcome applications from artists, curators and collectives, selecting shows based on artistic quality and how effectively the gallery space is used.
The gallery hosts monthly exhibitions that run for four weekends, so artists have plenty of time to present their work and for visitors to drop by. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss spot to discover new and experimental art in Adelaide.
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Whether you found a delicate ceramic at a market, a bold painting at a studio, or a framed piece from an art gallery Adelaide locals love, you’ll want to make sure it gets home without a hitch.
For a solid checklist on packaging, climate control and long-haul transport, check out our guide on moving artwork safely in Australia.
If you don't want the hassle, Upmove can help. As a trusted moving services provider, we give you access to vetted and experienced art moving teams who know how to handle delicate and high-value pieces with care. Whether you need to move a single piece or your entire collection, Upmove makes it easy to book the best art moving specialists in Adelaide who treat your artwork like their own.
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