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List of nationally significant 20th-century architecture in South Australia facts for kids

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South Australia is home to many amazing buildings, and some of them are so special that they are considered "nationally significant." This means they are important examples of architecture from the 20th century (the 1900s) across all of Australia! These buildings show how design and construction changed over time. They also tell us stories about the history of South Australia.

Cool Buildings from the Early 1900s

Some of South Australia's most important buildings were built in the early part of the 20th century. They often show grand styles or new ideas for their time.

The Adelaide Stock Exchange building, finished in 1901, is a great example. It's located in Exchange Place in Adelaide. This building was once a busy place where people traded stocks and shares. Today, it houses the Royal Institution of Australia, which is all about science and learning.

RiAus building
The old Adelaide Stock Exchange building, now home to the Royal Institution of Australia.

The Ruthven Mansions, built in 1911 on Pulteney Street in Adelaide, are another interesting example. They were designed by Alfred Barham Black and Fuller. These mansions are now known as Mansions on Pulteney. They show how people lived and worked in grand buildings back then.

Ruthven Mansions, Adelaide
Ruthven Mansions, built in 1911.

The Stag Hotel on Rundle Street in Adelaide, built in 1903, is a well-known landmark. It was designed by Garlick & Jackman. Hotels like this were important meeting places in the city.

The Stag Hotel, Adelaide
The historic Stag Hotel on Rundle Street.

Also from 1903 is West's Coffee Palace on Hindley Street in Adelaide. Designed by AS & FH Conrad, coffee palaces were popular places where people could gather and socialise without alcohol.

West's Coffee Palace, Adelaide
West's Coffee Palace, a popular gathering spot in the early 1900s.

The Epworth Building, completed in 1924 on Pirie Street in Adelaide, is another significant structure. It was designed by English & Soward. This building shows the architectural styles popular in the 1920s.

Epworth Building, Pirie Street
The Epworth Building in Adelaide.

The Freemasons Hall on North Terrace in Adelaide, built in 1923, is a grand building used by the Freemasons. It was designed by Bruce J Quinton and WH Harral.

Adelaide-Freemasons18-Aug08
The impressive Freemasons Hall on North Terrace.

A very important building from this period is the National War Memorial on North Terrace in Adelaide. Finished in 1931, it was designed by Louis Laybourne Smith and Woods, Bagot, Jory and Laybourne-Smith. This memorial honours those who served in wars.

Adelaide War Memorial-2
The National War Memorial, a tribute to service members.

Buildings from the Mid-20th Century

As the century progressed, new styles and materials became popular. Architects started to experiment with different shapes and functions for buildings.

The Savings Bank of South Australia building in Woodville, built in 1930, is a good example of a community bank. It's located at 65 Woodville Road and is now used for youth services by the City of Charles Sturt.

BankSA building, Woodville
The former Savings Bank of South Australia building in Woodville.

The main office of the Savings Bank of South Australia (now BankSA) on King William Street in Adelaide was completed in 1943. It was designed by Eric McMichael and E.H. McMichael & Harris. This building shows the strong, functional designs of the 1940s.

BankSA head office
The former head office of the Savings Bank of South Australia.

The Barr Smith Library at the University of Adelaide, built in 1932, is a beautiful and important building for learning. It was designed by Woods Bagot.

UofAdelaide-BarrSmithLibrary-Aug08
The Barr Smith Library at the University of Adelaide.

Bonython Hall, also at the University of Adelaide, was finished in 1936. Designed by W Bagot and Woods, Bagot, Laybourne Smith & Irwin, it's a grand hall used for important university events.

UofAdelaide-BonythonHall&Conservatorium-front-Aug08
Bonython Hall, a grand building at the University of Adelaide.

The Hindmarsh Incinerator, built in 1935, is a very unique building in Hindmarsh. It was designed by the famous architect Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls. Griffin also designed the city of Canberra! The Thebarton Incinerator, also from 1935, was another of his designs. These buildings show a distinct architectural style.

Hindmarsh Incinerator
The Hindmarsh Incinerator, designed by Walter Burley Griffin.
Thebarton Incinerator
The Thebarton Incinerator, another design by Walter Burley Griffin.

The Thebarton Theatre and Town Hall, completed in 1928 on Henley Beach Road in Torrensville, is a well-loved entertainment venue. It was designed by Karberry & Chard.

Thebarton Theatre
The historic Thebarton Theatre.

Adelaide High School, built in 1951 on West Terrace, was designed by E Fitzgerald & J Brogan. It's an important educational building in the city.

Adelaide High School
Adelaide High School, built in 1951.

The Union Hall at the University of Adelaide, built in 1950, was designed by Louis Laybourne Smith and Woods, Bagot, Jory and Laybourne-Smith. It was a central gathering place for students, though it was later demolished in 2010.

Adelaide University Union Hall 2010
Union Hall at the University of Adelaide before its demolition.

The Maughan Church on Franklin Street in Adelaide, built in 1965, was designed by Eric Von Schramek. It was named after Rev. James Maughan.

Maughan Church, Adelaide
Maughan Church in Adelaide.

The Immanuel College Chapel in Novar Gardens, built in 1970, was designed by Eric Von Schramek and Von Schramek & Dawes. It's a modern chapel design.

Immanuel College chapel
The chapel at Immanuel College.

Modern Architecture (Late 20th Century)

The end of the 20th century brought even more innovative and varied designs, often focusing on new technologies and environmental considerations.

The Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, built in 1989, is a stunning example of modern design. It was designed by G Maron and Raffen Maron Architects. This large glasshouse protects plants from tropical climates.

Rose garden at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
The Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

The Adelaide Superdrome, completed in 1993 in Gepps Cross, is a major sporting venue. It was designed by Carlo Gnezda and Sacon.

The Adelaide Superdrome, a major sporting venue.

The Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, built in 1996 in Magill, was designed by Keith Cottier and Allen, Jack & Cottier. It's a beautiful example of how modern architecture can blend with historic sites.

The Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant.

These are just some of the many nationally significant buildings in South Australia from the 20th century. They show the incredible talent of architects and the changing styles of building design over time.

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List of nationally significant 20th-century architecture in South Australia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.