Joining an elite list that includes the Library of Trinity College Dublin, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Austrian National Library and the New York Public Library, this recognition places Adelaide’s beloved library alongside some of the most iconic literary spaces on the planet.
At the heart of the nomination is the stunning Mortlock Chamber. A glowing example of mid-Victorian public architecture, the Chamber first opened its doors on 18 December 1884, housing the original Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery. Its soaring galleries, ornate ironwork and softly filtered natural light continue to awe visitors more than a century later.
What began with 23,000 books and a staff of just three has evolved into South Australia’s largest public research library, now welcoming nearly half a million visitors annually. With close to 60 kilometres of shelving and a mandate to collect and preserve South Australian stories, the library is as much about the future as it is about the past.
Minister for Arts, The Hon Andrea Michaels MP, praised the nomination, calling the library “an incredibly beautiful building located at the heart of Adelaide’s cultural boulevard… testament to the stunning architecture of the Victorian era as well as the many South Australians who have acted as caretakers.”
Director Megan Berghuis added, “The Mortlock Chamber is one of the most loved and remarkable spaces in South Australia… We are thrilled to be nominated again and encourage everyone who cherishes this space to vote.”
As part of preservation efforts, the Mortlock Chamber will temporarily close from June to September 2025 for vital carpeting works.
Find SA State Library on North Tce, Adelaide or slsa.sa.gov.au
