Ayers House — Local services in Adelaide

Ayers House – The House of History

I attended a truly unforgettable event at Ayers House on 7 May 2025, featuring presentations by Dr Natalie Harkin and Dr Skye Krichauff—two leading South Australian scholars who are doing the critical work of truth-telling around this state's colonial history and its ongoing impact on First Nations peoples.

There was a profound and poignant irony in the choice of venue. Ayers House is one of Adelaide’s most iconic colonial buildings, named after Sir Henry Ayers, a five-time Premier of South Australia and influential figure in the state’s early mining boom. His wealth and social standing were largely built on the profits of the Burra Burra copper mine—an enterprise that played a key role in the dispossession and displacement of the Ngadjuri people, the traditional custodians of that land. Ayers was a pillar of the colonial establishment that enabled and profited from the systemic exploitation of Aboriginal communities.

To sit within the polished grandeur of this mansion and listen to Dr Harkin speak of the state-sanctioned domestic servitude imposed on Aboriginal women and girls—including her own family—was nothing short of confronting. Her archival-poetic work, Whitewash–Brainwash, reveals a hidden labour history of forced assimilation, surveillance, and racial control that contrasts starkly with the polished image of colonial progress that Ayers House once symbolised.

Dr Skye Krichauff’s work on the South Australian Frontier Massacres Project further dismantled the myth of peaceful settlement in this state. Her presentation made visible the brutal realities of frontier violence and the silence that has long surrounded it in mainstream histories.

That this kind of truth-telling is happening within the very halls that once represented elite colonial power is a powerful act of reclamation. Ayers House is no longer just a monument to colonial grandeur—it is being transformed into a space for education, accountability, and healing.

The curatorial direction of the House of History is to be applauded. Events like this show that Ayers House is evolving beyond mere nostalgia. It is becoming a venue for reckoning with South Australia's complex past and for amplifying the voices that colonialism attempted to silence.

The staff were welcoming and the event was thoughtfully curated, with a respectful and engaged audience. The space itself remains architecturally stunning, but on this occasion, it was the stories being shared that took centre stage.

Highly recommend visiting Ayers House not only for its historical architecture but especially for exhibitions and events that challenge, educate, and inspire. It is a place where the past is not merely preserved—it is interrogated, reclaimed,...

Amazing Experience!! I recently had the pleasure of hosting a high tea party at Ayers House, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with the warmest welcome, particularly by a staff member I believe was named Hope. Her greeting set a delightful tone for the entire event, making us feel truly special.

The service throughout our stay was impeccable. Each staff member we interacted with displayed amazing manners and attentiveness, ensuring that our high tea was a seamless and enjoyable experience. The attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and it contributed significantly to the comfortable and refined atmosphere.

The food served at our high tea was exquisite. Every bite was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs at Ayers House. The selection of teas was impressive, and the accompanying treats were both beautifully presented and delicious. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the variety and quality of the food, which was a highlight of our gathering.

The ambiance of Ayers House added to the charm of our high tea. The historic elegance of the venue provided a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of indulgence and conversation. It's clear why this place is renowned; it's not just a house but a home to timeless memories.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ayers House for anyone looking to host an event or simply enjoy a sophisticated outing. The combination of the attentive staff, particularly Hope, the delectable food, and the enchanting setting makes for an unforgettable experience. My friends and I are already looking forward to...

My mum and I attended the Mother’s Day High Tea at Ayer’s House today and had an incredibly disappointing experience, one that I feel other people of colour deserve to be warned about.

Despite paying the same as everyone else, we were completely ignored by two specific servers: one young woman with long black hair in a plait and another with curly black hair tied in a bun. They served tea and coffee to every white guest around us but walked past our table multiple times without even acknowledging us. We sat for over thirty minutes without being offered a single drink.

Eventually, my mum had to complain directly to another staff member just to be treated equally. Only after that complaint did someone else finally bring us the tea and coffee that other guests had received much earlier.

It was humiliating and infuriating to be treated as though we were invisible, especially on a day meant to honour mothers. While the food was good (and that’s the only reason I’m giving one star), the discriminatory service ruined the entire experience.

If you’re a person of colour, I strongly advise against attending any event at Ayer’s House. Based on our experience, your presence may not be respected or even...