This building was designed by Edmond W. Wright for The Bank of South Australia. Work commenced late in 1875 and the building was completed by 1878, and the bank opened for the first time on 21st of June of that year.

This building features extensive renaissance style stonework that was completed by William Maxwell, a well known and famous Scottish sculptor. Joseph Durham a famous British sculptor and painter, also journeyed to Adelaide to work on the building. The entrance hall features columns of Devonshire marble, with doors of cedar, and marble floor tiles. The central banking chamber is very lofty and features an elaborately decorated ceiling.

In 1951 this building became an asset of the ANZ Bank, and was in use as a bank building until 1969, when it was sold. Initially a Sydney company purchased the building and planned to demolish it. The Adelaide people led by a local optician, Charles Wright, generated wide interest to save the beautiful building. In 1971 after seven months of public debate the State Government purchased the building for $750,000. Extensive renovations were carried out, and the building was renamed Edmund Wright House, and opened to the public in 1972.

Since 1995 the History Trust of South Australia has had its home in this building. The office of the State Historian is also located here. There is also an extensive collection of photographs and a South Australian history library. This beautiful building is regarded as one of the best preserved examples of classical Victorian architecture in Adelaide.

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