Ayers House Museum

Ayers House is the last of the grand mansions of Adelaide's North Terrace boulevard.

Sunday 26 September sees us close the doors on 50 successful years of the Ayers House Museum.

We do this with heavy hearts but intend to finish our 50 years at the museum with as many of our family and friends as possible.
Come and visit us one last time this weekend to create some new memories & relive some old ones.
Due to Covid restrictions we ask that you guarantee your entry by booking at https://www.trybooking.com/BTJQK


 

Ayers House is named after its original owner Sir Henry Ayers, distinguished politician, financier and Premier of South Australia, who lived in the house with his family during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Originally it was known simply as 288 North Terrace. Constructed of local bluestone, the design of the house is attributed to Sir George Strickland Kingston, architect of the colony and the man responsible for the design of many a grand mansion and public building. The museum began its life as a small nine-bedroom brick cottage built by William Paxton – a chemist and early Adelaide entrepreneur. Henry Ayers expanded the house in several stages with the final stage completed around 1870. Ayers House today stands as a prime example of colonial architecture and that’s before you even step inside. The interior contains many important decorative features including the ornate painted finishes and examples of trompe l’oeil on the walls and ceilings of all rooms. The State Dining Room offers visitors a moment to reflect on the life of a prominent man and to imagine the splendour of dining in such an ornate setting. Invited dignitaries would certainly have felt themselves a distinguished guest.

Visitors can explore the museum and learn about the social history of the period and life for Ayers House occupants both “above and below” stairs.

The museum is easily reached either on foot, bus or tram. Tram stop –  Botanic Gardens. Ayers House also has an on-site car park for those traveling by car. Parking ticket purchase is required.

 

 

 

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