1. Image: crowd of people around large bronze statue of seated man

    Sir Walter Watson Hughes statue

    The bronze figure of Sir Walter Watson Hughes by Francis Williamson stands on a massive block of red granite.

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton and James Hunter, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1900-1910, 2000-2010

  2. Image: Cover page for the 'Song of Australia' sheet music.

    Song of Australia

    ‘Song of Australia’ became the accepted national song in South Australia and, for a time, throughout Australia.

    Historical Thing | By Kerrie Round | late nineteenth century, late twentieth century, mid nineteenth century, mid twentieth century

  3. Image: The statue of a horse and rider mounting the crest of a hill

    South African War Memorial

    The mounted trooper reining in his horse commemorates South Australians who served in the South African War (1899-1902).

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1890s, 1900-1910, 1930s, 2000-2010

  4. Image: view of a street corner with telephone box and poles

    Stobie Poles

    Unique to and ubiquitous throughout South Australia, the ugliness of stobie poles is periodically denounced, as also the mortal damage which they can and do inflict on the occupants of any vehicle unlucky enough to strike one at speed. 

    Historical Thing | By Patricia Sumerling and Wilfrid Prest | early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late twentieth century, mid twentieth century

  5. Image: bronze statue of a young naked boy in running pose

    The Athlete

    Once dubbed 'Adelaide's most active statue' the Athlete is now safely installed in the Lord Mayor's Courtyard. 

    Historical Thing | By Pat Stretton | Central Market, River Torrens, Southwest corner | early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late twentieth century, mid twentieth century

  6. The Eternal Question by Richard Kelly Tipping 1982, Light Square

    The Eternal Question

    Word artist Richard Tipping prompts us to consider big ideas in his sculpture ‘The Eternal Question’

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | Northwest corner | 1940s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000-2010

  7. Image: two ships on still water

    The hulk 'Fitzjames'

    Between 1880 and 1891 the hulk Fitzjames, colloquially known as ‘Hell afloat’, served as a Reformatory for over 100 boys aged from 8 to 16 years of age. 

    Historical Thing | By Nikki Sullivan | 1880s, 1890s

  8. Image: large fountain featuring human figures and birds lit up at night

    Three Rivers Fountain

    The Three Rivers fountain in Victoria Square commemorates the Royal Visit in 1963

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | 1960s, 2010s

  9. Image: two people walking through underground brick-walled rooms

    Tunnels of Adelaide

    Adelaide tunnel tales are a perennial favourite in the popular press, and are cheerfully perpetuated by tour operators and publicans everywhere.

    Historical Thing | By Deb Morgan | 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, early twentieth century, early twenty–first century, late twentieth century, mid twentieth century

  10. Urban Cow Studios

    Previously situated on Frome Road, near the corner of North Terrace, the Urban Cow Studio has been operating in Adelaide for around 25 years.

    Historical Thing | By Cindy Crook, History Trust of South Australia | 1990s, 2000-2010, 2010s

  11. Venere di Canova, 2013

    Venere di Canova

    A startled Venus caused consternation as Adelaide’s first public statue in 1892

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 1850s, 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, 1920s, 1930s, 1960s

  12. Victor Richardson Gates, Adelaide Oval, South Australia

    Victor Richardson Gates

    An outstanding all-round sportsman was provided with the rare honour of being memorialised during his lifetime

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton & Bernard O'Neil, History Trust of South Australia | River Torrens | 1920s, 1930s, 1960s, early twenty–first century

  13. Voyagers in Whitmore Square night photo

    Voyagers

    The lives and cultures of ‘Afghan’ cameleers are recognised in Whitmore Square

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton, History Trust of South Australia | Southwest corner | 1860s, 1870s, 2000-2010

  14. Image: carved grey granite horse trough memorial situated in the East parklands

    War Horse Memorial

    Remembering the role of horses in war.

    Historical Thing | By Jude Elton & Bernard O'Neil, History Trust of South Australia | Parklands | 1910s, 1920s, 1960s, early twenty–first century

  15. Image: Bronze busts of two men's heads in garden next to footpath

    William Henry Bragg Bust

    This bust, sculpted in 2015 by South Australian artist Robert Hannaford, commemorates Professor William Bragg. 

    Historical Thing | By Alexander Parsons, History Trust of South Australia | North Terrace | 2010s

  16. Image: Darryl Pfitzner Malika's Yerrakartarta, 2018.

    Yerrakartarta

    At the time of its installation in 1995, Yerrakartarta was the largest public commission of Aboriginal artwork in Australia. 

    Historical Thing | North Terrace | 1990s, Aboriginal Country pre-contact, late twentieth century

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