Sweet and savoury

Description

Enjoy a taste of our menu collection.

Menus are kept as part of the State Library of South Australia’s ephemera collection. Ephemera is material which is designed to be short lived - such as posters, handbills, programs, wine labels, and advertising material. In fact, such everyday ephemeral items are a record of South Australian life and social customs, arts and popular culture, and local and national issues.

From the plain to the ornate and from the simply functional to the beautiful, the State Library has many thousands of menus. This exhibition looks at menus from our oldest, a dinner at Government House in 1867, through to those recently acquired from South Australian restaurants large and small celebrating cuisines from around the world. The menu collection has many hidden stories, showing not just how our eating and drinking tastes have changed, but also the changing styles of graphic design. 

Hero image: Commonwealth Press Union Dinner at the South Australian Hotel, 1955

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 in 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.