Tables and chairs in Adelaide Arcade

Adelaide Arcade History Tour

When Adelaide Arcade was first opened in 1885, it was hailed as the most modern shopping precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.

Despite modifications, renovations and even a fire, Adelaide Arcade and adjoining Gay's Arcade remain true to their original ambience and style to this day and are rich with history and stories of yesteryear — including ones of multiple ghosts who call the Arcades home.

The best part is that you can enjoy this self-guided history tour either in the Arcade, or from the comfort of your own home with their interactive website and audio experience.

Are you ready to take the tour?

The first street statue erected in the city on North Terrace is actually a copy of a famous neoclassical work. Based on Italian sculptor Antonio Canova’s ‘Venus’, it was chiselled from Carrara marble by Fraser & Draysey, and presented by Mr W A Horn to Mayor F W Bullock on 3 September 1892.

View page

Newly renovated to exacting standards, the ground floor of the historic Tattersalls Building at 12 Grenfell Street, Adelaide is a fantastic proposition for functions of up to 45 people. A fully functioning bar with a wide selection of beers, wines,…

View page

Don't forget to look up! The 'Progress' sculpture has looked over Rundle Mall for more than 50 years.

View page

Almost one million visitors make their way through the Art Gallery of South Australia's doors each year, treated to multiple wings housing an impressive selection of more than 40,000 artworks.

View page