About the house

Ayers House is Adelaide’s finest Victorian-era home, and one of the last remaining grand 19^th century residences that once lined the North Terrace cultural boulevard.

At first a small cottage, the site evolved in several stages from a nine-roomed brick house built by chemist William Paxton in the early 1850s. Upon returning to England, Paxton leased the property to Henry Ayers, a fellow businessman poised to become one of the colony’s most wealthy and influential politicians and financiers.

From 1855 to 1897 the house was extended in stages to encompass more than 40 rooms over a two acre property. Henry and his wife Anne created an opulent home with fine furnishings and fixtures, most imported from England, that showcased the wealth and status they had acquired since emigrating in 1840. For 40 years, the house was central to Ayers’ family life and an entertainment destination for Adelaide’s social and political elite.

A day in the life at North Terrace in the 1860s

After Henry’s death the property was sold, its house and grounds becoming a ‘pleasure resort’ known as Austral Gardens with an open-air theatre and the Palais de Danse. The First World War and its aftermath saw the house serve as a club for the Returned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League, before the South Australian Government acquired it in 1926 for use by the Royal Adelaide Hospital as a nurses’ residence and training school.

The National Trust of South Australia has managed the museum and maintained public access to the house since 1973. During that time the rooms have been refurnished and major conservation work has been undertaken to preserve the house and its superb, hand-painted decoration.

Come down and enjoy this unique landmark in the heart of Adelaide’s East End, and take part in our exciting program of events, exhibitions and family-friendly programming

Opening Hours
Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm

Admission:
Adult: $10
Concession: $8
National Trust members: FREE
Children (5-15): $5
Under 5 FREE
Family: $20

Guided tours of the house are held hourly, and cost an additional $5 per person

Please note: If the forecast temperature is 40ºC or above, the museum will not be open to the public.