Santos Museum of Economic Botany Launches

David Knox, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Santos and Khai Liew, renowned artisan and designer of the new exhibition space, enjoy collections featured at the launch of the Santos Museum of Economic Botany.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany breathes life into the debate on the relationship between plants and culture, with issues such as sustainability and water conservation being as relevant today, as when the museum first opened 127 years ago. 

Santos support has led to greater access and opportunity for the 1.5 million visitors to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, to experience collections showcasing plant specimens from around the world including seeds, nuts and fruit, and roving exhibitions.  The restoration of the purpose built colonial museum retained the original character of the attic style building and maintained the atmosphere of ‘anticipation’ and unusual discoveries. 

Originally commissioned in 1881 by the second director of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, Dr Richard Schomburgk, Santos recognized the Museum’s potential for community development in areas of health and the environment. David Knox, Chief Executive Officer and Managing director of Santos and renowned artist and designer of the new exhibition space Khai Liew attended the launch.

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany houses specimens of the past, and thanks to Santos’ generous support, will help shape ideas for the future.

Preserving the past, planting the future.