Vignette 139: The Tate Museum

Inside the University’s Mawson Building is the Tate Museum, home to a collection of geological items dating back millions of years. Each mineral, rock, fossil and specimen are a little window into the natural history and evolution of our planet.

The Museum opened in 1902. It took its name from Professor Ralph Tate (1840–1901), who at age 35 was appointed to the Elder Chair of Natural Science in 1875. Tate taught at the University and published widely on geology, zoology and botany.

The Tate Museum also includes items from Sir Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expeditions and his time at the University as Professor of Geology.

On display is a sample discovered by alumnus Dr Reg Sprigg in the Flinders Ranges of the organism Ediacaran biota which is up to 550 million years old.

The Museum highlights the University’s rich history of research and teaching excellence in geology, showcasing the significant contributions of University alumni, staff and students.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Preserving a legacy.  p.186