Soaring grand ceilings and mezzanines stacking tucked-away study booths make the Mortlock Chamber one of the calmest and most beautiful spaces to read, write, and research. If you’re procrastinating, it’s likely because you’ve been distracted by rows of deep green and red book spines and the stunning architecture of the late 1800s.
We’re here to tell you to get your Mortlock Chamber fix before it closes for almost four months to complete some much-needed maintenance. The chamber will temporarily close from Monday, 2 June until September.
The main works will see the chamber’s long-serving carpets removed, but the stories the carpet holds will remain.
Worn by decades of footsteps, the existing flooring has been part of the library since its beginnings, carrying the stories of exhibitions, study sessions, weddings and events.
According to the State Library, the closure will be scheduled, “To support ongoing preservation and enhance your experience of one of South Australia’s most iconic spaces.”
“The current carpet has served the Mortlock Chamber well for many years, but time and heavy foot traffic have taken their toll. Replacing it is an important part of maintaining both the safety and experience of this much-loved space.”
All other areas of the library will remain open throughout the closure, including the Research Library, which will continue its regular hours.
During the Mortlock Chamber upgrade, there is still plenty to explore throughout the library. Rear Vision: The Holden Collection is still running until 22 June, and Out of This World: Australia in the Space Age is set to launch on 4 July.
This new exhibition will transport you back to the dawn of the space age, exploring stellar scientific research, silver-laden architecture, beautiful design, and broadcasts of the time.
The beloved space has become more than just a study room, often hosting lively social events that truly bring the space to life.
In the past year, the chamber has become a winter haven thanks to the return of events like Storytellers @ the Mortlock, a pop-up gin bar that runs in conjunction with Illuminate Adelaide. This unique activation offers cocktails, gin tastings, food and silent disco events inside the historic chamber.
Step inside the Mortlock Wing and you’re immediately wrapped in a sense of calm. Built in the French Renaissance style and opened in 1884, it’s not just one of Australia’s most striking library spaces, it’s a place where people come to pause and reflect.
Featuring high ceilings, wrought iron balconies, and a glass-domed roof, it truly is the shining heart of the State Library.
The upcoming works are part of the library’s ongoing efforts to preserve the heritage-listed chamber and ensure it remains welcoming and safe for years to come.
“We understand the Mortlock is a special place for many, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we undertake this improvement,” the library added.
For more information, click here.
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