Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1,000,000 properties worldwide and 550 airlines worldwide.
Search over a million flights, hotels, packages, and more
No Expedia cancellation fee to change or cancel almost any hotel reservation.
State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia has graced this location since 1860, when it was already housed in the Institute Building that is now part of the library. As the official library of South Australia, it gives a fascinating insight into the history and modern times of this state.
As you approach the library, take a moment to appreciate the three different styles of architecture that have now been blended into one to create the present-day library. From the original Institute Building through to the modern Spence Wing and finally to the grand old Mortlock Wing, all add to the library’s grandeur.
Make your way across the pretty courtyard to find the main entry to the Spence Wing. A statue of the Scottish poet Robert Burns stands in front of the glass façade. Redeveloped in 2003, this bright and spacious building houses the modern library collection, complete with a digital age section. The Treasures Wall and the Ernabella Rugs exhibitions are the highlights here.
Take in the ornate beauty of the French Renaissance-style Mortlock Wing from 1884, complete with mansard roof. It is the Victorian-style interior of the Mortlock Chamber, however, that has made this library awe-inspiring. The two upper galleries, with their intricate wrought-iron balustrades, copious amounts of dark wood and shelves packed with ancient books, look like the setting of a Harry Potter movie. The glass-domed lantern roof enhances the scene with natural light.
Also don’t miss the Institute Building, which originally housed the library with a museum, art gallery, meeting rooms and more. This has long been the city’s cultural heart, standing at the core of Adelaide’s “Cultural Boulevard” even today. Its Circulating Library is a stunning function room and the Institute Building has rotating exhibits with interesting themes.
Stay until dark for one last surprise: an outdoor projection show that uses a wall of the Institute Building as a giant screen. Stand in the courtyard to watch interesting short stories play out.
The State Library of South Australia is open daily and is free to enter. Free tours are available if you book in advance. Toilet and cloak room facilities are available.
Guide to Exploring around State Library of South Australia
Best Lodging Options Near State Library of South Australia
Per night/room
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Beehive Corner Building and Adelaide Casino. Rundle Mall and Adelaide Festival Centre are also within 10 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 3-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 8 - Dec 9
ibis Adelaide
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Rundle Mall, Art Gallery of South Australia, and Victoria Square. Government House and University of Adelaide are also within 10 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is 7 minutes by foot and Adelaide Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Government House and Adelaide Festival Centre. Rundle Mall and Art Gallery of South Australia are also within 10 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 2-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Peppers Waymouth Hotel
55 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Adelaide Town Hall and Victoria Square. Adelaide Central Market and Rundle Mall are also within 10 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is only a 3-minute walk and Adelaide Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 13 - Dec 14
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
Dec 8 - Dec 9
InterContinental Adelaide
North Terrace, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Adelaide Casino, Parliament House, and Adelaide Convention Centre. Adelaide Festival Centre and Government House are also within 5 minutes. Adelaide Station is only a 2-minute walk and Pirie Street Tram Station is 8 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Mayfair Hotel
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Beehive Corner Building, Rundle Mall, and Government House. Adelaide Festival Centre and Victoria Square are also within 10 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station and Adelaide Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Hilton Adelaide
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SALocated in Adelaide Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Adelaide Central Market and Victoria Square. Rundle Mall and Government House are also within 15 minutes. Pirie Street Tram Station is only a 5-minute walk and Adelaide Station is 12 minutes.
