Street Art on Hindley Street

In 2017, Lonely Planet heralded Adelaide as one of the world’s best street art cities, with plenty of good reasons. Large-scale murals have now surpassed the triple digits, showing a little city can certainly make a big mark on the world.

Hindley Street and its surrounds claim a lion share of the treasure. Public art plays an integral thread around the West End, weaving a story of the streets that have long been the stomping ground for Adelaide’s creative souls. Check out the spots below for a glimpse into Hindley Street’s diverse characters, musical inspirations, and stories.

Location: West-facing wall of 126 Hindley Street, Adelaide 5000

In 2015, Adelaide became the first city in Australia to be designated as a UNESCO city of music. What does this exactly mean? In short; it’s the ultimate kudos to Adelaide’s musical chops on a global scale – past, present and future. Dave was handed the mammoth task of creating the city’s largest mural that encapsulated Adelaide’s rich musical identity. The location is perfectly positioned in the direct eye-line of the Lion Arts Factory, one of the city’s premium live music venues.

Location: Corner Morphett Street and Hindley Street, Adelaide 5000

Jasmine Crisp’s 19 by 19 metre mural is an ode to celebrated Adelaide musician Sia. Entitled “She Imagined Buttons”, the mural is somewhere between a self-portrait and reflection on Jasmin’s own experience of seeing Sia perform live, meets the broader impact of the musician’s work on the masses.

"Sia was the first act I saw perform at the Adelaide Big Day Out in 2011. It was one of my first concerts, I had freshly turned 16 and felt nervous among the large, unfamiliar crowd," Crisp said.

The piece marks the entrance of Sia Lane, which was officially opened in March 2021.

Location: The Corner Bistro, 7/11 Leigh St, Adelaide 5000

Located on the sidewall of The Corner Bistro is renowned artist Adnate’s portrait of a young Aboriginal boy. This piece, commissioned in 2012, came to life through spray paint and is characteristic of the artist’s close ties with the Aboriginal people and land. Many of his murals around the nation seek to create statements about the rightful reclaiming of the land. This meaningful piece can be seen from the corner of Hindley Street and Leight Street.

Image by Dean Word Travels

Location: Phonatic, 171 Hindley St, Adelaide 5000

Phonatic is best known for fusing the best of authentic Vietnamese cuisine with surprising modern elements. The converted space feature heavy industrial features such as metal and exposed brick, contrasted with soft wood detailing. Strewn across Phonatic’s walls, we are treated to Jack Fran’s extensive talents. Murals depicting traditional Vietnamese landscapes and ways of life are constant reminders of pho’s Hanoi origins. Come for the food. Stay for the art.

Location: Stem Restaurant, 188 Hindley Street, Adelaide 5000

Stem is a chic urban jungle, which boasts one of Adelaide’s largest wine cellars. The sleek polished floors are softened with ambient lighting and an abundance of plants that spill out from thoughtfully positioned wells scattered within the restaurant.

In collaboration with Sanaa Festival 2020, local artist Jimmy Smith joined forces with Beau Graff of France to produce a full wall mural. The uplifting and vibrant portrait exudes the cultural empowerment and celebration that Sanaa spreads throughout Adelaide every February. The festival aims to facilitate a space “to appreciate and learn more about the cultures from which some South Australians originate, particularly African culture”.