The Paintings Galleries at State Library of New South Wales
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1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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Reviews for State Library of New South Wales
Edrea Panugan
Visiting the NSW State Library was an incredible experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the grandeur of the building—it's a perfect blend of historic elegance and modern design. The Mitchell Library Reading Room, with its soaring ceilings and classic timber furnishings, felt like stepping back in time. It was both peaceful and inspiring, a rare combination that made it easy to lose myself in a good book or deep research for hours. The collections and exhibitions were a real highlight. I was amazed at the range of materials available, from rare historical documents and manuscripts to beautifully curated displays showcasing Australia's cultural and literary history. One of the exhibitions I saw featured original letters and photos from early explorers, which brought a real sense of connection to the past. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, always happy to point me in the right direction or recommend something new to explore. Beyond just books and exhibits, the overall atmosphere of the library was calm and welcoming, perfect for studying, reading, or simply taking a break from the busy city outside. The onsite café was a pleasant surprise too—great coffee and quiet spaces to relax. I left feeling not only more informed but genuinely uplifted by the experience. I’d highly recommend the NSW State Library to anyone visiting Sydney or locals who haven’t explored it yet—it's a true gem.
Min Min
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Sydney’s most remarkable cultural landmarks. Its historical architecture is breathtaking—grand sandstone facades, elegant reading rooms, and intricate design details that reflect its long legacy. Walking through the building feels like stepping back in time, yet it still serves as a vibrant and relevant institution today. Inside, the atmosphere is serene and very quiet, making it the perfect place to study, read, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The soaring ceilings, ornate columns, and carefully preserved heritage features create a space that’s not only functional but also deeply inspiring. Beyond its beauty, the library houses vast collections, exhibitions, and resources that showcase the history and culture of New South Wales. It’s a destination where architecture, knowledge, and tranquillity come together, and it’s easily one of the most beautiful public spaces in the city.
s vivekananda
It's a large heritage listed special collections, reference and research library open to the public. It's one of the oldest libraries in Australia and was established in 1869. Original building was designed in classic Rococo style and is very attractive to see from inside and outside. It is open 7 days a week and public can study there, borrow books and use the computer. There are toilets and an excellent ground floor cafe on the ground floor in the annexe building. Parking is difficult here so advisable to take public transport. Popular place with locals and tourists.
Mrigendra Narayan Shrestha
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A wonderful and inspiring place! I recently visited the State Library of NSW and was absolutely blown away. The Paper Universe exhibition was beautifully curated, the design, lighting, and overall presentation were exceptional. I especially loved the thoughtful seating areas that let you slow down, sit, and truly appreciate every detail. It’s a peaceful and inspiring space that blends art, history, and creativity perfectly. Highly recommend visiting if you enjoy exhibitions that make you pause and think.
francesandfrancis
This place was my go to when I was doing my MBA studies. It’s just a perfect place to study, get things done and the atmosphere is just perfectly suited for it. I’ve been to other public libraries in Sydney but this one in particular does not tolerate rowdy behaviour or noises at all. They also have a great collection of books, journals and references. And its location is perfect as across the building is the Botanical Garden and Sydney Opera House is a few blocks away.