Current Exhibition

God 'Elp All of Us: Celebrating the centenary of Ross & Keith Smith's Epic Flight

1st May - 15th June

In 1919, the South Australian brothers Ross and Keith Smith and their engineers, James Bennet and Wally Shiers, won the £10,000 prize for the first flight from England to Australia in the largely untried Vickers Vimy aeroplane G-EAOU (dubbed 'God 'Elp All Of Us'). Their incredible journey can be traced through their photographs, notes and memorabilia held in Rare Books & Special Collections.  Learn more...

On display in the Barr Smith Library, Level 1, during Library opening hours.

Ongoing Exhibition

Dr Ruby Davy: Australia's First Woman Doctor of Music

This exhibition celebrates 100 years since Ruby Davy was the first woman in Australia to be awarded a Doctorate of Music. Ruby’s career, including her tours of England and New York and her innovative lecture recitals, are portrayed through her memorabilia, scores and archival University records. Learn more...

On display in the Barr Smith Library, level 1, during Library opening hours.

Previous Exhibition

For the Greater Good: The Generous Life of Sir Thomas Elder (1818-1897)

This exhibition celebrates the life and generous donations of Sir Thomas Elder in the 200th year since his birth. Sir Thomas Elder’s business and pastoral empire underpinned his munificent support of many causes to enhance the prosperity of and expand the boundaries of knowledge in colonial South Australia, including exploration expeditions, art bequests and the establishment of the University of Adelaide. Elder also introduced innovations in pastoral management and camel and racehorse breeding at his Morphettville stud. His life and philanthropy are portrayed through historic documents, photographs and artefacts sourced from Rare Books & Special Collections and University Archives. Learn more...

The exhibition ran from the 1st May until the 1st of June 2018.