The State Library of South Australia is delighted to announce the reopening of the iconic Mortlock Chamber from 9am, Friday 3 October 2025, following a temporary closure for essential recarpeting.
Closed since June, the Mortlock’s well-worn carpet has been carefully replaced, a vital step in preserving the heritage of this 141-year-old building. Delivered in partnership with South Australian architecture firm Swanbury Penglase, the refurbishment complements the Chamber’s historic architecture while enhancing the visitor experience.
The reopening comes soon after the Mortlock was voted the second most beautiful library in the world through the 1,000 Libraries Awards — reaffirming its status as both a cultural landmark and an architectural treasure. First opened in 1884, the Mortlock Wing was originally home to the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, laying the foundations for Adelaide’s vibrant cultural precinct. Today, the Chamber continues to captivate visitors with its soaring glass roof, intricate ironwork and rich history.
Celebrate the reopening
To mark the occasion, the State Library is hosting a weekend of free activities and tours from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October for South Australians and visitors alike:
- Highlights of the Mortlock tours — Friday 3 October, every hour from 10am to 3pm.
- River Magic — Saturday 4 to Sunday 5 October. This free, drop-in creative experience for children and families is presented by South Australian artist Ruby Chew and her studio team as part of the 2025 Nature Festival. Visitors of all ages can contribute to a collaborative artwork exploring the theme of ‘flow’, with historical photographs of the River Torrens also on display.
A message from the Director
State Library Director Megan Berghuis said:
“We sincerely thank our community for their patience and understanding while the Mortlock Chamber was temporarily closed for this important flooring refurbishment. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to this remarkable space to experience its beauty and history once again.”
The Mortlock welcomes thousands of visitors each year as part of the State Library, the largest public research library in South Australia. As custodians of South Australian stories, the Library continues to collect, preserve and share the State’s history for current and future generations.
Discover the story of the Mortlock Chamber.
Image: James Field Photography