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Ayers House Museum
Ayers House Museum is an iconic Adelaide mansion built in the 1850s. Sir Henry Ayers, the five-time Premier of South Australia, lived in this mansion on North Terrace for 42 years. The house is rich with history, and since Ayers’ death it’s had a number of purposes. It was a dance hall, an open-air café and a nurses’ training centre. Today, the Ayers House Museum is dedicated to the history of the residence and its inhabitants and is owned by the National Trust of Australia, an organization that conserves heritage places and objects.
Explore the posh surroundings and gain insight of the life of not just the Ayers, but also the people of Adelaide in the 19th century. The house was meticulously restored by the National Trust. It features original silverware, furnishings and a 300 kilogram (660-pound) chandelier, all originally owned by the Ayers family.
The building itself is famous for its painted ceilings. Look up as you stroll through the museum, as each room features hand stenciling. Upon entering the formal dining room, you’ll see one of the most significant painted ceilings in all of Australia. The ongoing care of the National Trust ensures that all of the ceilings remain in prime condition.
Take the guided tour to get an authentic experience of the times and customs of 19th-century Adelaide. Tours can be coupled with morning or afternoon tea. During the About Time History Festival every May, a costumed butler, housekeeper and cook give after-dark tours by candlelight. The actors wear full period attire, and this is a great way to see the house.
Ayers House Museum is located within the North Terrace cultural precinct, just a short walk from the CBD. A free City Loop bus stops close to the museum, as well as other attractions in central Adelaide. On-site parking is available for a fee.
The museum is open daily except Monday, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Guide to Exploring around Ayers House Museum
Best Lodging Options Near Ayers House Museum
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Pullman Adelaide
16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Rundle Mall, South Australian Museum, and Rymill Park. Adelaide Oval is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) away. Pirie Street Tram Station is 10 minutes by foot and Adelaide Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 5 - Jul 6
ibis Adelaide
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Rundle Mall, University of Adelaide, and Victoria Square. Adelaide Casino and Adelaide Botanic Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is 7 minutes by foot and Adelaide Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
iStay Precinct Adelaide
185 Morphett Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Lion Arts Centre, Adelaide Central Market, and Victoria Square. Rundle Mall and Adelaide Convention Centre are also within 15 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is 8 minutes by foot and Adelaide Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
55 Frome Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of East End Cafe Precinct and University of Adelaide. Rundle Mall and Adelaide Botanic Gardens are also within 10 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is 13 minutes by foot and Adelaide Station is 14 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites
104 North Terrace, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Adelaide Convention Centre and Adelaide Casino. Rundle Mall and Adelaide Oval are also within 15 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 3-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 10 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 12 - Jul 13
Mayfair Hotel
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Rundle Mall and Adelaide Casino. Victoria Square and Adelaide Convention Centre are also within 10 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station and Adelaide Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites
96 North Terrace, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is steps from Lion Arts Centre and Adelaide Convention Centre. Rundle Mall and Adelaide Casino are also within 10 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 4-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 10 minutes.
Per night/room
Jul 20 - Jul 21
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Adelaide Casino and Adelaide Convention Centre. Adelaide Festival Centre and Government House are also within 10 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 2-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 8 minutes.
