Illuminate Adelaide - City Lights

Description

City Lights has become one of Adelaide's most cherished annual events – awakening the city with visitors all eager to shake off the winter chill together!

This year, City Lights returns with an all-new series of exciting free installations featuring interactive experiences, stunning projections, and captivating roaming performances created by world-renowned artists and creative studios.

For 17 unforgettable nights, Adelaide’s iconic cultural institutions and hidden gems come alight with breathtaking displays spanning the bustling CBD from Adelaide’s East End all the way down to the glittering Festival Plaza.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, let your curiosity lead you on an adventure like no other and discover the city in a whole new light! 

Stop by the State Library and experience ...

Migrations

Universal Everything • UK
State Library of South Australia Forecourt

A mesmerising parade of kaleidoscopic creatures glide, stomp and swoop through a dreamlike landscape. Created by UK based digital art collective Universal Everything, Migrations reimagines animal evolution using motion capture from real creatures — elephants, ostriches, kangaroos and caterpillars — each with its own lifelike rhythm. Who are these beings? Where are they going? The answers lie in your imagination.

Lightbattle III

Venividimultiplex - Light Art Collection • The Netherlands
Institute Building, North Terrace

Embrace the Dutch tradition of cycling by hopping on a bike and racing against your competitors in this epic light-cycle showdown by The Netherland’s own Venividimultiplex and Light Art Collection. As you pedal faster, the vibrant arches hold the winners victorious with a dazzling burst of colour. It’s a fun, head-to-head battle of speed and light – so take your marks, get set, glow!

The Legend of the Golden Koi

Jake Yang • Australia
Bill's Fountain, North Terrace

A visual retelling of an ancient Chinese folklore, Graduate Pathway Program recipient and local SA artist Jake Yang presents this timeless story of perseverance and determination against insurmountable odds. Reimagined through beautiful ceramic work and projection to present the koi’s hundred-year struggle to reach the top of the waterfall, sit by the water and ponder this delightful celebration of courage.

Hero image: Somnius by Illumaphonium, photograph by Robin Zahler

FAQs

How do I get to the State Library by public transport?

The 'State Library, Art Gallery, Museum' tram-stop is just outside the State Library. There are bus stops close by, near the War Memorial on North Terrace. The closest train station is the Adelaide city station on North Terrace.

You can plan your journey via Adelaide Metro.

Is there car parking near the State Library?

The nearest car park is Wilson's Adelaide Central car park, 225 North Terrace, next to David Jones.

There is paid (metered) street parking along Kintore Ave and Victoria Drive.

Where is the wheelchair and stroller access?

Access to the Spence Wing first floor and the Mortlock Chamber is via the lift in the glass foyer entrance of the library.

There is on-street disabled parking available on the nearby roads. View more information and maps of Adelaide City Council's Disability parking for permit holders.

How do I check if the Mortlock Chamber is open when I plan to visit?

The Mortlock Chamber may close for private events, check our opening hours for any closure times.

When it is open you can visit the Mortlock Chamber on the ground floor to look at the exhibition bays.  The upper levels of the Mortlock Wing include quiet study areas.

Is there a cafe at the State Library?

Yes, the State Library Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and Saturdays from 12 to 4pm.

Find out more about the cafe and resident organisations at the State Library.