State Libraries in Australian Cities: Adelaide

In our Sixties, we women have an appreciation for stately, elegant and historic buildings. An architectural gem in the heart of the cultural boulevard, Adelaide’s State Library of South Australia is a must visit for many reasons. It is home to a Don Bradman collection, a Treasures Wall displaying precious manuscripts and artifacts, and an historical exhibition on the people and events that shaped the state. Enquire about their free guided tours, or take a self-guided tour by downloading an ‘app for your phone.’

OPEN:
Mon – Wed: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Thu – Fri: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Sat – Sun: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

State Library of South Australia Highlights

Built in 1884, the Mortlock Chamber is the original structure of the library and a perfect example of late Victorian architecture. There is a clever inside out element at play at this Adelaide icon - and play is the apt word because a sense of discovery is highly encouraged - with evening art projections on the buildings at night. Inside there are plenty of tours and exhibitions to choose from but the real showstopper is the vaunted and vaulted Mortlock Chamber (pictured at the top of this article). Which resembles something straight out of a Harry Potter novel.Enjoy wall-to-wall books and the old world charm of the Circulating Library.