History Friday | Step inside Adelaide’s history
There are some places in Adelaide where history isn’t behind glass — you can walk right through it.
One of my favourites is the beautiful Adelaide Arcade, right in the heart of the city between Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street.
Opened in 1885, Adelaide Arcade was considered an incredibly modern shopping precinct for its time, with its grand domes, glass roof, ornate details and even electric lighting. Today, its beautiful heritage architecture sits alongside a wonderful collection of specialty shops, making it a place where Adelaide’s past and present meet.
And there are plenty of little stories to discover along the way.
The fountain at the Rundle Mall entrance has its own history too. When Rundle Street became a pedestrian mall in 1976, the fountain was relocated to its current position — and during the celebrations it was famously filled with champagne.
Look up at the domes and you’ll also spot the Adelaide Arcade Coat of Arms, created before Australia had officially adopted its national Coat of Arms. The Arcade’s version is still proudly displayed today.
And if you love discovering the stories behind old buildings, there’s even a free self-guided Adelaide Arcade History Tour. You can follow the printed tour or explore the audio-visual version on your mobile, discovering the Arcade’s architecture, characters and stories from 1885 to today. There’s also a free museum tucked away inside Gay’s Arcade.
So next time you’re exploring Adelaide, slow down, look up and step inside.
It’s not just a beautiful place to shop — it’s a little piece of South Australian history that is still very much alive today.
Adelaide Arcade, Rundle Mall/Grenfell Street, Adelaide
Visiting Adelaide? Make time to discover some of the stories, architecture and hidden treasures that make our city so special. And if you’re staying with Adelaide Style Accommodation, we’re always happy to share some local favourites.
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