File:Art Gallery of South Australia(GN07279).jpg

View from the front of the Art Gallery of South Australia looking down the western side of the building. The classic columns are recognisable at the front, inscribed above them is 'National Gallery'.

Like many of its Australian counterparts, the Gallery was first formed in the late 19th century, but art societies were active long before this. The South Australian Society of Arts, established in 1856, is the oldest fine arts society still in existence. It held annual exhibiitons in rooms in the South Australian Institute, on the corner of Kintore Avenue. The society was one of several advocates for the creation of a permanent public art collection. Libraries, museums and art galleries were thought to be important markers of 'civilized' societies at this time. Supporters of a public art collection also argued that it would help to elevate public taste. In 1880 Parliament gave 2,000 pounds to the Institute to start acquiring a collection and the National Gallery of South Australia opened in rooms in the present Mortlock Wing (now part of the State Library) in June 1881. Similar 'national' galleries opened in other colonies in these decades, reflecting robust colonial nationalism and a strong sense of competitiveness. In numbers that would gladden the heart of any modern gallery today, some 94,000 people flocked to see the first exhibition.

In 1937 the Art Gallery of South Australia was enlarged. A new wing, which doubled the gallery's size, an open Doric portico and an entrance vestibule were all added.