State Library of South Australia Mortlock Wing

The Mortlock Wing is a heritage-listed reading room and exhibition space within the State Library of South Australia on North Terrace in Adelaide. It forms part of the larger library complex and serves as a distinct heritage interior accessible through the main library building. The wing houses historical collections, provides study spaces, and hosts exhibitions. It operates under the State Library's own published access and closure information, separate from general North Terrace venue coordination. Yes. Monday–Tuesday 09:00–18:00; Wednesday 09:00–19:00; Thursday 09:00–18:00; Friday 09:00–20:00; Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday 12:00–17:00.

The Mortlock Chamber is the State Library’s grand 1884 reading room, lined by cast-iron galleries and bookcases beneath a high glazed roof. Ground-floor exhibition bays draw on nearly 1,000 collection items, while upper levels provide study space. A Dent and Sons clock is still wound by hand each week. The chamber connects to the Spence Wing through the glass foyer and lift, with the Treasures Wall, State Library Gallery and Research Library nearby. Closed on South Australian public holidays. Closed on South Australian public holidays. The Mortlock Chamber can close for private events; no closure was listed for 31 August 2026.

The duration of a visit to the Mortlock Wing depends on individual interest in exhibitions and heritage architecture. Casual visitors typically spend between thirty minutes and one hour viewing the interior and any current displays. Those using study spaces or engaging deeply with exhibitions may remain longer. Research visitors utilizing reading room facilities often stay for extended periods. The wing does not operate timed entry sessions for general visitation. General entry is free. Separately ticketed events may carry a charge. General entry is free. Separately ticketed events may carry a charge.

Mortlock Chamber and State Library Gallery: Monday and Tuesday 09:00-18:00, Wednesday 09:00-19:00, Thursday 09:00-18:00, Friday 09:00-20:00, Saturday 10:00-17:00 and Sunday 12:00-17:00. Closed public holidays and occasionally for private events. Holiday, event and exceptional closure information in the responsible body’s schedule takes priority over ordinary weekly access. Monday–Tuesday 09:00–18:00; Wednesday 09:00–19:00; Thursday 09:00–18:00; Friday 09:00–20:00; Saturday 10:00–17:00; Sunday 12:00–17:00. The State Library is at the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. The named “State Library, Art Gallery, Museum” tram stop is directly outside; buses stop near the War Memorial on North Terrace, and Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace is the closest train station.

Entry to the Mortlock Chamber and its ground-floor exhibition bays is free. Special events and venue programmes may be ticketed separately. The base public price is recorded in Australian dollars and does not include parking, food, retail purchases, premium encounters, special exhibitions or separately ticketed events unless the operator names them as inclusions. General entry is free. General entry is free. Separately ticketed events may carry a charge. Step-free access to the Mortlock Wing is available by lift from the State Library’s glass-foyer entrance. An accessible toilet is available on the Mortlock Wing’s Chamber level.

Enter the State Library at the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue through the glass foyer. State Library, Art Gallery, Museum tram stop is directly outside; buses stop near the War Memorial, and Adelaide Railway Station is the closest train station. Yes. The State Library is at the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. The named “State Library, Art Gallery, Museum” tram stop is directly outside; buses stop near the War Memorial on North Terrace, and Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace is the closest train station. An accessible toilet is available on the Mortlock Wing’s Chamber level.

Use the State Library glass-foyer entrance on North Terrace and the lift to reach the Mortlock Chamber and Spence Wing first floor. An accessible toilet and lift are shown on the Mortlock plan; on-street accessible parking is available nearby. The Library Cafe operates in the complex. Yes. Ordinary entry to the Chamber and ground-floor exhibition bays is free. Step-free access to the Mortlock Wing is available by lift from the State Library’s glass-foyer entrance. On-street accessible parking for permit holders is available on nearby roads.

Personal handheld photography should preserve the chamber’s quiet study atmosphere and keep aisles, the lift and exhibition bays clear. The long central axis, cast-iron galleries and roof light are the principal compositions. Private functions can close the room or impose different rules. Tripods, lighting, staged sessions and commercial filming require State Library permission, while ordinary visitors should avoid photographing readers closely without consent. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. The Mortlock Chamber reopened on 3 October 2025 after its carpet was replaced, and the operator’s current opening-hours page lists the Mortlock Wing as open.