# Get ready for an evening of hide-and-chic at the South Australian Museum’s Night Lab

**Latest News** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 26 July 2024  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/latest-news/get-ready-for-an-evening-of-hide-and-chic-at-the-south-australian-museums-night-lab/

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Slip on a mask, dream up an alter ego, and get set for a huge night at the **South Australian Museum** as we present the first of our award-winning *Night Lab* events for 2024.

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Come along to the most mysterious soiree of the year as we bring you ***Night Lab: Hide and Chic*** on **Friday 16 August, **proudly sponsored by** National Science Week**. 

Inspired by all things ‘unseen’ and ‘camouflaged’, *Night Lab: Hide and Chic* promises to be an event filled with intrigue, science, and endless, adults-only fun. Enter a ‘hidden world’ and experience things you’ve *never seen before* (get it?) with an array of exclusive performances, activities, floor talks, games, food, cocktails, and more.

This top-to-bottom, adults-only takeover of the Museum, which has run since 2018, has become a cult classic on Adelaide’s calendar – dubbed an inclusive “nightclub for nerds”, where everyone is welcome.

Illusionist **Rob Ellinger** is your captivating host this time around, guiding attendees through a thrilling program over four hours and spread across five floors of the Museum. Rob – an Adelaide Fringe favourite – will also perform roving magic throughout the night and cap things off with a mind-bending finale.

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At our **Temple of Science**, hear scientists and researchers explore everything from creatures involved in deadly games of hide-and-seek to the ceremonial masks used by Pacific cultures. Peer through **research-grade microscopes** – including an incredible, scanning electron one – and spot things that are too small to see with the naked eye … from crystals within crystals to the largest native land animal in Antarctica (which is actually a whopping 2mm). Or get up-close and personal with creepy-crawlies, known to hide in cracks and crevices, thanks to **Bugs n Slugs**. 

You can also unleash your creative side, with activities ranging from **mask-making to sketching and costume-judging**. (Costumes are optional – wear a mask, chic dress, camo, something inspired by the ‘unseen’, or just try to *blend in*.) Heard of the comedy panel game show, *Taskmaste*r? We’ll be bringing our own twist on the show with ***Mask Tasker***. There will also be games, inspired by the prehistoric era, and a **scavenger hunt** using infrared technology.  

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Dance like nobody’s watching (or aren’t they?) as Adelaide trio **Nights on Mayfair** take to the stage, playing a mix of current and classic pop, R&B, and soul jams. Then refuel with top-quality offerings from **Carlito’s Paella**, **Ambra Spirits** and **Ghost Wines**.

South Australian Museum Director, Dr David Gaimster, says, “There is a reason that *Night Lab* has become one of our favourite evenings on the Museum calendar. Science and entertainment collide in this unique event, which sees adults takeover the Museum after-dark, thanks to the generosity of National Science Week.” 

*Night Lab: Hide and Chic *is on Friday 16 August, 6-10pm, at the South Australian Museum. *Night Lab* is an adults-only event for ages 18+. General admission tickets are $45, plus booking fee, and discounted for Museum Members. Tickets include a welcome drink, entry, and access to all activities. Tickets are available [here](https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/event/night-lab-hide-and-chic).

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