Port Adelaide’s stunning harbourside mural

Recently, I stumbled upon an unexpected treasure that left me utterly captivated – two breathtaking murals adorning the old Marine and Harbours building in Port Adelaide.

These stunning pieces of art, created by Polish artists Etam Cru in 2015, is more than just a feast for the eyes; it’s a powerful reflection of the area’s vibrant past and promising future.

A canvas of culture and heritage

The murals, on two sides of the Port Adelaide Building, are a vibrant ode to areas rich history. Featuring intricate details and bold colours, they immediately catch the eye of passersby. But what truly sets this artwork apart is its profound message.

The mural on the southern side incorporates text in the Kaurna language, acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and emphasising the importance of learning from the past to shape a better future.

From government office to boutique hotel

The building itself has an intriguing story to tell.

Constructed in 1979 as a state government department overseeing shipping permits and customs work, it stood vacant for years after its initial purpose was fulfilled. Now, this 1970s structure is undergoing a remarkable transformation.

Soon, it will emerge as a retro boutique hotel, breathing new life into the area and offering visitors a unique blend of nostalgia and modern comfort.

This exciting development is part of the broader Dock One masterplan, which aims to revitalise Port Adelaide and cement its status as a must-visit destination.

These two murals on the old Marine and Harbours building serves as a symbol of Port Adelaide’s evolution – preserving the area’s rich history while allowing it to mature into something truly exceptional.

Where: 293 St. Vincent Street, Port Adelaide, South Australia

The text in the last mural above, reads:

“Ngadluku Kaurna Miyurna Kaurna Yarta tampinthi. Marni niina pudni Kaurna yarta-ana pudni. Pukipirra tarrkarri mankutitya’dlu tirkanthi.”

Translated into English that means, “Let’s recognise Kaurna People and Kaurna Land. It’s good that you came to Kaurna land. Learn from the past so that we can grasp the future.”