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Centre of Democracy

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Centre of Democracy

The Centre of Democracy showcases the people and ideas that have shaped democracy in South Australia. Featuring treasures from the state's collections and the latest in digital technology, the gallery challenges visitors to think again about people and power. One of the newest attractions on Adelaide's North Terrace cultural precinct, the Centre of Democracy is becoming the hub for a vibrant program of education and public programs that will engage and inform visitors about the ideas behind democracy and political participation.

Adelaide SA

0.0 km away

Art Gallery of South Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Art Gallery of South Australia

Founded in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia is home to one of Australia’s great art collections. The collection comprises of over 45,000 works of art spanning from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia and includes one of the most important collections of Indigenous art as well as the only dedicated Islamic gallery space in Australia. Carefully curated exhibitions and displays provide a unique experience, taking you through the history of art, up to present day in surprising and unexpected ways. As you wander from one gallery to the next, you’ll find works of art presented in ways that give new insights, culturally and thematically. Take a tour with an experienced guide, attend an artist talk or plot your own course. Open 364 days a year with free tours at 11am and 2pm daily, and until 9pm on the First Friday of every month.

Adelaide SA

0.1 km away

Mini Mortlock in Little Library — Image credit: SLSA

Amusement and Theme Parks

Little Library

A whole world made just for kids, Little Library is a place where stories hide in unexpected places, curiosity is always welcome and imaginations are free to wander, wonder and discover. Designed for children aged 0 to 11, it is a space to read, talk, sing and play, helping little people grow a lifelong love of books, stories and learning. Inspired by Words Grow Minds research into early childhood development, Little Library brings together the very best of reading, play and discovery in one joyful space. Visitors can browse and borrow from a carefully chosen collection of much-loved children's books, settle in for a story, join a song, enjoy a quiet moment with a stack of favourites or simply explore at their own pace.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

The Seedling Exchange — Image credit: Nature Festival

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Seedling Exchange

The Seedling Exchange is a temporary public pavilion and living art installation that will grow and evolve throughout Nature Festival. The project is a partnership between Nature Festival and the City of Adelaide, bringing together public art and landscape design. Designed by artist and architect Sabrina Sterk from Adelaide University, in collaboration with plant stylist and landscape designer Emma Sadie Thomson (EST), the installation creates a place where architecture, ecology and collective participation meet. A team of contemporary artists serving as Seedling Guides, will support community participation and help bring the installation to life through hands-on exchange and the 'performance' of seed planting. The impact and benefits of the Seedling Exchange will continue beyond the festival, with the City of Adelaide's Horticulture Team nurturing and planting the seedlings in suitable locations across the city.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

Government House

Landmarks and Buildings

Government House South Australia

Government House, Adelaide is the oldest Government House in Australia and is the private residence of the Governor's family. The first Government House, the "Government Hut" was constructed of timber slabs, wattle and daub, a thatched roof, calico ceiling, and external stone chimneys. It is believed to have been on a site between the present railway station and the River Torrens, and was destroyed by fire in 1841. The gardens and grounds of Government House are steeped in historical, cultural and environmental significance. Located on the eastern lawns of Government House is a fine Armillary Sphere sundial which was installed in 1991. A gift to the State by Her Excellency The Honourable Dame Roma Mitchell, AC, DBE, CVO, the sundial was made in South Australia by Sundials Australia, and stands on a pedestal sculpted by local artist, Silvio Apponyi. The pedestal is made from Murray Bridge Rubble Limestone, a material similar to that used for the rebuilding of the North Terrace boundary wall of Government House.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

'A Day Out' (the Rundle Mall pigs) — Image credit: Rundle Mall

Landmarks and Buildings

'A Day Out' by Marguerite Derricourt

On 3 July 1999, Rundle Mall welcomed four new residents —Horatio, Oliver, Truffles and Augusta. Made completely from bronze, these life-sized pigs look to be having a great day out in Rundle Mall as they walk the Mall, dig through the bin for food scraps and greet passers-by. The art installation officially known as A Day Out was created by Marguerite Derricourt, the winner of a national sculpture competition instigated by the City of Adelaide in the final stages of the Rundle Mall upgrades in the late 1990s. The people of Adelaide loved the pigs so much, a competition was held to name them and you can find a plaque next to each pig stating its name and the name of the person who named them. Children and adults alike are often seen hugging, sitting on and posing for pictures with the popular pigs on their days out in Rundle Mall.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

The 'Pigeon' Sculpture — Image credit: Rundle Mall

Landmarks and Buildings

'Pigeon' Sculpture

The humble pigeon has been elevated to new heights with the installation in Gawler Place of 'Pigeon', a homage to those feathery urban dwellers that inhabit many city centres, including our own Rundle Mall. Nationally and internationally recognised South Australian artist Paul Sloan is the creator of Pigeon, which will stand over two metres tall and is crafted out of mirrored stainless steel. Paul’s vision was to raise the status of the humble pigeon from an overlooked, ubiquitous creature to the realm of awe and wonder. “I see pigeons as proud flaneurs, promenading through our leisure and retail precincts. They are the quiet witnesses of our day-to-day activities in the city, our observers from day through to night” Paul says. Find 'Pigeon' in Gawler Place, outside Nespresso.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

The Rundle Mall Fountain adorned with flowers — Image credit: Rundle Mall

Landmarks and Buildings

The Rundle Mall Fountain

The fountain has had many homes since it was first cast in the late 1880s and currently resides adjacent to the entrance of Adelaide Arcade. Two fountains, one of which now resides in Rundle Mall, once sat outside the Jubilee Exhibition building on North Terrace and were constructed in the late Victorian era, with both being prime examples of the domestic fountains of the time. In 1908, the two fountains were handed over to the Adelaide City Council by the South Australian Government. One was to be relocated to a North Adelaide address and the other in South Adelaide, and since their first relocation, both fountains have been re-homed. These days, the larger of the two fountains is situated in Creswell Gardens adjacent to Adelaide Oval and the smaller fountain in Rundle Mall —though has moved positions in the Mall a number of times— finding its current home adjacent to the entrance of Adelaide Arcade. The fountain is often undergoing updates to its base, and has also been painstakingly repainted in colours of the Victorian era. In 1976, then-Premier Don Dunstan famously filled the fountain with champagne donated by Hardy's to celebrate the opening of Rundle Mall. Today, the fountain is a popular photo moment for Rundle Mall shoppers, or just a spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

Rundle Mall

Shopping and Markets

Rundle Mall

In the heart of the city is a place like no other. A place of rich history and constant evolution, where old and new meet. Filled with curated experiences and moments of pure spontaneity. Where the everyday is elevated and every visit is one you'll remember. It's special – but it's a place where everyone is welcome. It can only be Rundle Mall. You can look at the numbers – over 700 retail stores, 300 services and flagship department stores. The biggest outdoor mall in the Southern Hemisphere, and with over 52 million annual visitors, the busiest in Australia. But that's not the whole story. With the most loved names in shopping, food favourites and new hotspots, unmissable cultural experiences and incredible, unexpected entertainment, it's so much more. Here, storied history meets what's next, with old traditions recreated by new generations. It's where a shopping trip leads to a long lunch, a quick trip to the bank becomes a coffee catch-up, and knock offs become kick ons. Off the main Mall, there are arcades and laneways waiting to be explored. Rooftop bars. Live music. The biggest and best Black Friday sales. The real Santa's home away from home. It surprises and delights, so you can shop, explore and experience more. It's one-of-a-kind, every time you visit. Only here. Only Rundle Mall.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

The Mall's Balls sculpture — Image credit: Rundle Mall

Landmarks and Buildings

The 'Mall's Balls' (The Spheres)

The Spheres (affectionately titled the 'Mall's Balls' by locals) is Rundle Mall's most iconic artwork. Made from a pair of larger-than-life stainless steel spheres sitting one atop the other, the artwork measures just over 4 metres tall and was brought to life by Vienna-born artist Bert Flugelman. Flugelman always wanted the artwork to be interacted with: "After we put it up on the Sunday afternoon I went back on the Monday to watch community responses to it. A very little old lady came walking up to it and looked at it and then she opened up her handbag and took out her handkerchief and blew on the work and wiped it. I thought it was wonderful. I thought that’s alright. It works!" The Hindmarsh Building Society donated The Spheres to the City of Adelaide in 1977 to mark their centenary. Today, The Spheres is a popular meeting place, with most Adelaide locals having met someone at the Mall's Balls when visiting Rundle Mall. Their shape has become synonymous with Rundle Mall and Adelaide as a whole, appearing on posters, t-shirts — and even the Rundle Mall logo. You'll often see kids playing with the artwork's reflections and tourists taking a photo of themselves using The Spheres as a backdrop.

Adelaide SA

0.2 km away

South Australian Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum has five floors and endless history and objects to discover. From the first signs of early complex life to the most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material in the world, there is something for everyone at the Museum. Galleries include the South Australian Biodiversity, Pacific Cultures, Megafauna, Opalised Fossils, Polar, Ediacaran, Minerals and the Ancient Egyptian Room. The ever-popular Discovery Centre on Level 1 contains a wealth of information and many drawers to open and explore, not to mention the much-loved working bee hive! The Centre is open 10:30am-2:30pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A vibrant program of temporary exhibitions includes the prestigious biennial Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, the stunning annual Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition and summer blockbuster events that are always a big hit. Located on North Terrace, the South Australian Museum is easily accessible by tram, train and bus. Car parking on Kintore Avenue and across the road in Wilson Adelaide Central car park is also available.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Mortlock Chamber, State Library of South Australia — Image credit: SLSA

Galleries, Museums and Collections

State Library of South Australia

The State Library is the information heart of South Australia, located in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct and open seven days a week (excluding public holidays). Explore all three buildings: the award-winning contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing with its iconic glass foyer, the Mortlock Wing with its 19th century Victorian splendour, and the 1861 heritage listed Institute Building. See items from the State Library's collections showcased in exhibition bays lining our magnificent heritage-listed Mortlock Chamber and the stunning Treasures Wall in the contemporary Spence Wing. You can also read the latest international newspapers and magazines, browse travel guides, and have our friendly librarians help you to find information on almost any topic. Take advantage of free email, internet and word processing or use the self-service photocopiers and printers. Enquire at the Information Desk for colour copying, imaging and fax services.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Santos Museum of Economic Botany — Image credit: Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Museum of Economic Botany

Discover the importance of plants in this fascinating museum that is nestled in the heart of Adelaide Botanic Garden. The museum displays plant specimens, models and creations from across the globe, and explains how they have been (and still are) used for a variety of uses. Find out where inks come from, what plants have been used as medicine and, of course, plant foods. See mummified linen, giant seeds and much more! It's the last museum of its kind in the world, and home to an amazing permanent collection, much of which dates back to the original museum display 130 years ago. Also on show are regular intriguing, beautiful and immersive art exhibitions which are sure to inspire. The building is a treasure in itself and has been lovingly restored featuring many original details. Permanent Collections: Fruit Model Showcase - made in Germany these incredibly life-like papier-mâché fruit models are for more than just admiring; they were used to educate farmers on establishing crops in the 1800s. Fungi Model Showcase - can you spot the real fungi? Challenge yourself as you explore the collection of 210 papier-mâché models showcasing fungi in different stages of growth. 'Grove' - be spellbound as you discover artist Fiona Hall’s cabinet of curiosities that explores the relationship between nature and culture.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Adventure Rooms Adelaide - Escape Rooms

Amusement and Theme Parks

Adventure Rooms Adelaide - Escape Rooms

Adventure Rooms is Adelaide's original and most popular escape room experience, offering customers a choice of 6 exciting games in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, Rundle Mall. The store across two levels also has a bar to enjoy a nice cold beverage before or after your adventure. Adventure Rooms is loved by all, with an impressive 5 star rating across Google, Trip Advisor, and Facebook with over 1500 reviews combined. Players work together with their team to hunt hidden objects, and solve creative puzzles and try to escape the room before the 60 minutes on the clock runs out. Adventure Rooms is a perfect activity to do in any weather with family, friends or team building with work colleagues. Being right in the heart of the CBD means there are plenty of parking and public transport options as well as bars and restaurants to visit before or after your experience.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Butterfly Brooch featuring South Australin opals . — Image credit: Australian opal and diamond collection

Shopping and Markets

Australian Opal and Diamond Collection

Australian opal and Diamond collection is located in Adelaide, South Australia, where the majority of Australian Opals are Mined. Field as such as Coober Pedy Andamooka and Mintabie produce spectacular world class Opal gemstones. From Mining, Wholesalers, exporters and manufacturing jewellers, producing high Quality and affordable Opal, diamond and Pearl Jewellery. One on one and tourist groups are welcome to experience the VIP demonstration and education on Australia's National Gemstone.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Ást Atelier

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ást Atelier

Ást Atelier is a working artist studio for fashion label JUTHO, a high-quality tailoring and alterations space, and an artisan boutique celebrating South Australian makers. Here, garments are crafted, restored and reimagined; and visitors can discover small-batch apparel, ceramics, jewellery and pieces created with intention, longevity and meaning. Ást Atelier brings together artists, tailors and makers under one thoughtful roof, dedicated to slow fashion, skilled craftsmanship and pieces made for life.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

City Library - Studio One — Image credit: City of Adelaide

Galleries, Museums and Collections

City Library

City Library is a place for you to access cutting edge technology and experience a variety of programs, events and exhibitions all year round. The Library has plenty of comfortable spaces for you to enjoy. On sunny days you can relax in the Outdoor Reading room which has ramp access, and a range of meeting rooms and spaces are available for hire. The City Library offers a range of programs designed to create, connect and inspire such as the Digital Hub, Media Lab, Innovation Lab, History Hub and is home to several reading groups where new members are always welcome. Kids love the school holiday activity program.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Hijinx Hotel Rundle Place

Amusement and Theme Parks

Hijinx Hotel Rundle Place

Hijinx Hotel is an immersive interactive game experience housed within the theme, wonder and theatre of a quirky New York style hotel where the rooms are reimagined into quick play, challenge rooms. Leave the suitcases at home - these are rooms where you play, not stay. Each of the hotel wings home highly fun and experiential, game-afied rooms made up of five different collaborative games including massive adult ball pits, giant size scrabble tiles and rubix cubes, enormous musical instruments (think the Piano in BIG). Throw in unicorns a plenty and Hijinx is perfect for 5 and 500 year olds, fun for the young and the young at heart in a group, on a date or just out with a mate, Hijinx Hotel is the best place to play.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Team photo fun! — Image credit: Escape Hunt Adelaide

Amusement and Theme Parks

Escape Hunt Adelaide Escape Rooms and Bar

The most exciting escape rooms Adelaide has to offer! Escape Hunt Adelaide is Adelaide's original escape room bar. Escape Hunt is the closest you’re likely to get to starring in a brilliantly plotted escape movie. You and your teammates are locked in a themed room and must find and solve a series of puzzles and clues to escape. The pressure is on, the clock is ticking, and the adrenalin is pumping. Escape Hunt isn’t something you watch, it’s a totally immersive experience and you’re in the heart of the action. We make you earn your freedom, throwing all sorts of devious red herrings, dead ends and misdirection your way. It’s completely immersive, utterly addictive and totally entertaining. With a fully licensed lounge and bar, Escape Hunt is the perfect place if you're looking for something a little bit different for your next night out with friends, birthday party, team building or corporate event.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

North Terrace

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

North Terrace

Stroll along North Terrace- there's plenty to experience. The National Wine Centre of Australia is a great introduction to South Australian wine. Enjoy the chance to sample some great wines whilst learning about production. The Adelaide Botanic Garden is an oasis in the city. Rejuvenate with a stroll through the grounds or just relax with a picnic on the grass. The Art Gallery of South Australia, Migration Museum and South Australian Museum are located in the heart of this cultural boulevard. The State Library displays some fine exhibitions. Statues and war memorials also line the terrace. On corner of King William Street is Government House, residence of the Governor. Visit on the annual open day in April for a closer look at the stately home and grounds. Over the road is Parliament House and the Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide's "arts' heart". The centre overlooks Elder Park on the banks of the picturesque River Torrens. Just a few steps away is the Adelaide Casino, located above the grand Adelaide Railway Station. The Adelaide Convention Centre is a tad further along and the western end is home to some amazing architecture in the form of the SAMHRI building and others.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

White gold Queensland Boulder Opal & diamond pendant.

Shopping and Markets

Opal Diamond Factory

Established in 1974, Opal and Diamond Factory is Adelaide’s oldest and largest opal, diamond and coloured gem specialist. Their collection of South Australian crystal and white opals, Queensland boulder opals and famous Lightning Ridge black opals is the most extensive in Australia. Amid the hot, red dust of Coober Pedy in South Australia’s far north, opal pioneer John Ryneš and son Mike Saj-Ryneš discovered a love for Australia’s national gemstone. At the Opal and Diamond Factory, the Ryneš family crafts jewellery, including bespoke pieces, from opals, ethically-sourced GIA certified diamonds and other precious stones. They are proud to have played small parts in thousands of stories - from love celebrations and special moments, to the creation of keepsakes and treasured gifts. Collaborating with their customers is at the heart of what they do. Their success is the result of passion and hard work; whether it be cutting rough opals straight from the mine, or shaping elegant, custom jewellery in their design studio.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

view from outside — Image credit: T'Arts Collective

Galleries, Museums and Collections

T'Arts - Textile & Arts Collective

T'Arts Collective (Textile & Arts Collective) is a vibrant, artist-run gallery and retail space located in Adelaide's historic Gay's Arcade (inside Adelaide Arcade). Established in 2003 as a not-for-profit organisation, T'Arts offers a unique shopping experience featuring a wide range of handcrafted glass, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, leather, textiles, and sculptures—all created and sold directly by local South Australian artists. When you visit, you aren't just buying locally crafted art; you're meeting the creators themselves.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Orchard Bookshop in its new Adelaide Arcade home — Image credit: Orchard

Shopping and Markets

Orchard Bookshop Hand-Picked Books

A curated selection of classic, intriguing and beautiful books. Perfect for browsing and treating yourself. Adelaide book purveyors Kate Treloar and Nick Patrick offer an ever-changing selection of recommended reads for the discerning reader. Orchard showcases a mix of vintage, new and collectible books; key areas include literature, cult classics, art, cookery, philosophy and children's books. Turn off your phone and embrace the joy of physical books. Housed in the iconically gracious Adelaide Arcade, this is an immersive experience for all the senses. Books also bought; contact to discuss your collection.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

Pink Shorts Press

Shopping and Markets

Pink Shorts Press

Pink Shorts Press is an independent publishing house and tiny bookshop in the heart of the Adelaide, upstairs in historic Adelaide Arcade. Visit this cosy space to browse unique titles by local authors, as well as other gifts and goodies by local creators. Established by editors Emily Hart and Margot Lloyd, Pink Shorts Press publishes a curated list of fantastically readable, socially conscious and slightly offbeat books, with a connection to Kaurna Yerta. They also run a series of Wordshops and events for readers, writers and bookish people of all kinds.

Adelaide SA

0.3 km away

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