The Mortlock Chamber
A rich history
The Mortlock Wing's journey is as fascinating as the treasures it holds. Construction began in 1866, yet the project spanned over 18 years due to political indecision, design revisions, and the challenge of an underground stream that made the foundations unstable.
Originally known as the Jervois Wing, it first opened on 18 December 1884, as a home for the Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery. With an initial collection of 23,000 books and a dedicated staff of three, this iconic building was the foundation of a visionary cultural precinct, planned to include three grand structures.
The foundation stone was finally laid on 7 November 1879 by Sir William Jervois, and the building was completed by Brown and Thompson at a cost of £43,897 - that's about $1.38 million in 2025.
Exhibition bays
On the ground floor of the Chamber are several exhibition bays that showcase the richness and breadth of State Library collections. Comprising nearly 1,000 items, the exhibition bay themes highlight areas of particular relevance to South Australia.
Exhibition bays on the ground floor of the Mortlock Chamber.
Exhibition bays on the ground floor of the Mortlock Chamber.
Photo of the Mortlock Wing taken by Samuel White Sweet in 1880. SLSA: B 58005/49
Photo of the Mortlock Wing taken by Samuel White Sweet in 1880. SLSA: B 58005/49
Exhibition bays and display cabinets in the Mortlock Chamber.
Exhibition bays and display cabinets in the Mortlock Chamber.
Explore a 360 image of the Chamber
Use your finger, stylus or mouse to move the image around and explore the Chamber from the centre of the ground floor.
Fascinating facts
The Mortlock Chamber holds many fascinating facts and curiosities:
A unique occupation: Its basement once housed skilled taxidermists.
Timekeeping legacy: The clock was crafted by Dent and Sons of the Strand, London - who also made the clock in Big Ben Tower. It is still hand-wound every week by a State Library staff member.
Illuminated past: It was lit by gas until 1914.
A lasting tribute: Named after John Andrew Tennant Mortlock, honouring his generous bequest in 1979.
A literary treasure trove: Home to over 40,000 books.
World-Renowned Beauty: Consistently hailed as one of the most beautiful libraries globally.
View of the Chamber from the first floor showing the ground floor exhibition bays and the second floor.
View of the Chamber from the first floor showing the ground floor exhibition bays and the second floor.
View of a study area on the first floor of the Mortlock Chamber.
View of a study area on the first floor of the Mortlock Chamber.
View of the Chamber from the first level looking south.
View of the Chamber from the first level looking south.
View of the Chamber from the ground floor looking north towards the clock.
View of the Chamber from the ground floor looking north towards the clock.
View of the Chamber from the second floor looking north towards the clock.
View of the Chamber from the second floor looking north towards the clock.
Visit us
We welcome you to visit the beautifully recarpeted Mortlock Chamber.
Your patience and support mean the world to us, and we’re happy to share this revitalised space with you soon offering a range of exciting events and experiences.
In the meantime, there’s still so much to explore! Discover the captivating Treasures Wall, immerse yourself in the State Library Gallery, or visit The Institute, home to the Centre of Democracy, Circulating Library and our resident organisations.
Need a break? Relax at the Library Café or dive into knowledge at the Research Library.
During Illuminate Adelaide in 2024 the State Library hosted a Pop Up Gin Bar in the Mortlock Chamber.
During Illuminate Adelaide in 2024 the State Library hosted a Pop Up Gin Bar in the Mortlock Chamber.
Details of the lights on the first floor of the Chamber.
Details of the lights on the first floor of the Chamber.
Built with Shorthand