The Best Art Deco Buildings in Adelaide for a Dose of Vintage Glam
Subtlety isn’t exactly Adelaide’s strong suit, especially when you look at its Art Deco buildings. These structures, with their bold designs, geometric precision, and luxe finishes are proof that our great-grandparents knew how to flex.
Want to scout the best ones for your next architecture, history, or photography project? From Goodwood to North Adelaide, we’ll show you where to look!
Piccadilly Cinema
From the_piccadilly
Address: 181 O’Connell St, North Adelaide
Contact Details: (08) 8267 1500
Website
Since opening its doors in 1940, the Piccadilly Cinema has kept its grandiose old-world charm, with streamlined lines, geometric patterns, and chevron-shaped windows. The marquee’s bold lettering also captures the Art Deco’s flair for dramatic signage.
The same “grand vibe” radiates within. A golden palette dominates the carpeted interior, especially by the spiraling grand staircase where natural light slips through the stylized windows—a sight as eye-catching as the mainstream movies they run here.
Tip: If you want to catch a film, check their schedule here.
Capri Theater
From capri_theatre
Address: 141 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
Contact Details: (08) 8272 1177
Website
Capri Theater is the kind of place that turns heads and sparks conversations. Sure, this heritage-listed building has welcomed a few modern elements, but its vibrant, sophisticated aesthetic still shines through, courtesy of meticulous restorations.
The curving facade pops with gold-white accents and zigzagging lines that highlight the sharp, black-lined windows. Inside, you’ll find period decor like original carpeting and a replica Art Deco fireplace—setting the mood for a vintage-style movie marathon.
Tip: Visit during an event for an extra dose of movie fun.
Adelaide High School
From andrewtakeslotsofphotos
Address: West Terrace
Contact Details: (08) 8231 9373
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 4 pm
Website
Linear sunshades, lateral lines, spoke-and-hub design, and daring forms define Adelaide High School’s contribution to Adelaide’s Art Deco landscape. A rich maroon palette also flows along the walls, with trim details that accentuate the building’s precise angles.
On top of that, the school’s heritage brick fabric is complemented by polished precast concrete, striking a balance between old-school and contemporary Art Deco.
Tip: Try to swing by Ellis Park while you’re here. It’s perfect for picnics and breathers.
Grainger Studios
From _celia_craig
Address: 91 Hindley St
Contact Details: (08) 8233 6233
Website
Praised as “the premier example of the Art Deco modern style in Australia,” the 1939-built Grainger Studio is a masterpiece. The grand foyer staircase proves this, with its soft-white palette, embellished with golden curving and linear elements.
For the decor, we noticed an emphasis on smooth surfaces and fluid lines, matched by a ceiling that seems to ripple further. Neon tubes light up the space too, and the colors adjust to match the theme or motif of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s concerts.
Tip: Don’t just admire the architecture; experience the concerts too!
Arab Steed Hotel
From aussiesnap
Address: 241 Hutt St
Contact Details: (08) 8223 1015
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 11 am to 1 am
- Sun – 11 am to 10 pm
Pub and global fare weren’t the only things we enjoyed at the 170-year-old Arab Steel Hotel; we loved its architecture too. The first features that caught our eye were the symmetrical shuttered windows, set a few centimeters above an intricate, wave-like pattern.
In addition, masterfully engraved names and logos crown the hotel, and they’re made even more recognizable by chic soft-gray lines that run straight. These lines also enrich the blackened window outlines and daisy-white walls.
Tip: For those who are into gaming, test your luck at the hotel’s gaming room.
Sussex Hotel
From sussex.hotel
Address: 68 Walkerville Terrace, Walkerville
Contact Details: (08) 8344 1500
Website
The Sussex Hotel, established in 1843, boasts Art Deco elements introduced inside and out after World War II—a visual feast that goes well with their cocktails and craft beer.
The facade flaunts a flat roofline decorated with symmetrical metallic beams and straight dark gray lines that gently curve at the center. Inside, it’s the front bar that showcases Art Deco elements, including a curvilinear counter and geometric ceiling.
Tip: The best time to visit is around 5 pm to 7 pm. This is the hotel’s happy hour!
Savings Bank of South Australia
From axs1090
Address: Ground Level, 97 King William St
Website
Built in 1848, the Savings Bank of South Australia is a heritage-listed gem that dropped our jaws with its artistic details. These are often expressed through artworks and symbolisms depicting the region’s agricultural history.
The team also spotted sleek parallel lines along the polished granite foundation and the grand entrance. A plethora of slender windows also embellish the building’s entirety, divided only by vertical and horizontal lines, with some extending out and others lying flat.
Tip: Pick a fairer day or cooler hour. Shade here is minimal, as the street is lined with rows and rows of buildings.
Arthur Art Bar
From arthur_artbar
Address: 66 Currie St
Operating Hours:
- Thu – 7 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 7 pm to 2 am
Housed in a repurposed Art Deco building (which kind of shows its age), the Arthur-Art Bar is a hotbed for all kinds of artistic expression. This shouldn’t surprise, considering the building itself exudes charm in a subtler, more “avant-garde” version of Art Deco.
What stands out immediately are three clusters of windows, adorned with short lines and a playful wave of parallel patterns. A curvilinear touch is also present at the corner, where the lines twist and connect to an aged wall transformed by bold, fiery-pink murals.
Tip: From gigs to art events, there’s always something happening at Arthur Art Bar. Stay updated by checking their Instagram.
Port Adelaide Masonic Center
From marcusbenny
Address: 142-150 Commercial Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8223 1633
Website
Art Deco with Egyptian influences is how we’d describe the Port Adelaide Masonic Center, a 1928 masterpiece by C.W. Rutt.
Masonic and Egyptian decorative details revealed themselves upon inspection, but it was the facade that truly captured our attention. Squares and rectangles dominate its design, from the slightly taller corner buildings to the central structure supported by columns.
Tip: You can enjoy a free breakfast every Friday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome.
National War Memorial
From fennysantoso15
Address: 190 North Terrace
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Website
Although it’s not exclusively Art Deco, the 14-meter National War Memorial incorporates elements of the style, particularly in the highly stylized stone angels of Reyner Hoff. These angels contrast with the more naturalistic approach intended by architect Walter Bagot.
In addition to its surface value, the monument is rich in history and symbolism, honoring the sacrifices made by WWI soldiers. Every detail and feature carries a story, like the majestic winged figure representing duty and the cruciform sword embodying sacrifice.
Tip: You’ll appreciate the memorial more if you visit on a less scorching day. There’s no shade here.
