Show More Photos
Show More Photos

Isabella Fraser Room at State Library Victoria


Why you'll love this venue

  • Features incredible event spaces in Australia's oldest and most impressive Library.
  • With meticulously restored heritage design, ceiling skylights, letting natural light flood in.
  • With AV facilities and events catering.
Named after our first listed female staff member, this new heritage gallery can be transformed into a sophisticated dining room, perfect for unique weddings, corporate events, business breakfasts and more. Previously closed to the public, this magnificent room boasts glorious high ceilings and large windows looking over La Trobe Street for beautiful natural light. Designed to accommodate 200 guests, the Isabella Fraser Room is located next to the new world-class exhibition space, the Victoria Gallery, providing an opportunity to create a bespoke curator led-experience for guests. This special event space is directly accessible through a new entrance on La Trobe Street.

Contact State Library Victoria

4.8 (3432)
Google icon

Usually responds within 24 hours


Packages, Menus & Offers

Please note, that pricing and inclusions may be subject to change without notice. We recommend confirming with the venue prior to booking to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.


Price Guide

Price TypePrice Per Person (Starting From)
Day Delegate Package (DDP)$ 100
Half Day Delegate Package (HDDP)$ 73
2 Course Menu$ 78
3 Course Menu$ 100
3 Hour Canapes$ 69
3 Hour Beverage Package$ 53

Please note, that pricing may be subject to change without notice. We recommend confirming with the venue prior to booking to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.


Room Layouts & Capacity

Cluster156
Theatre200
Standing200
Banquet156
Cabaret150

Amenities & Extras

$= Additional Cost

Food & Beverage

Bar Tab
Coffee / Tea$
External Catering
Filtered Water
Venue Offers Catering$

Audio Visual Equipment (AV)

Microphone$
Projector$
Speakers$
Stage$
TV

Other Amenities & Extras

Accessible
Air Con
Dance Floor$
External Music or DJ
Flip Chart
Furniture Hire$
Lighting$
Natural light
Receptionist$
Restroom
Room Hire Only
Security$
Whiteboard
WiFi

Google iconReviews for State Library Victoria

Jason Xie profile photo

Jason Xie

January 26, 2025

The State Library Victoria ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥is absolutely a must-visit if you’re in Melbourne! It’s hands down the most beautiful library I’ve ever seen. The architecture is breathtaking, especially the iconic La Trobe Reading Room with its stunning domed ceiling and bright, open layout. The design is both elegant and grand, making it a truly inspiring place to explore. Beyond its beauty, the library is full of history, art, and culture. It’s not just a place to read or study – it’s a destination where you can immerse yourself in exhibitions, rare collections, and Melbourne’s rich heritage. Even if you’re not a book lover, the atmosphere is so serene and captivating that it’s worth visiting just to take it all in. Whether you’re snapping photos of the incredible interior, browsing the shelves, or simply enjoying the peaceful vibe, this library is a standout attraction. I highly recommend adding it to your Melbourne itinerary – it’s truly a gem and an unforgettable experience!

Won Soon Lau profile photo

Won Soon Lau

January 1, 2025

I was interested in its architecture and found that this serves both as a functioning library and also a tourist checkpoint. There was a long queue waiting for the lift to go to the top floor where you are rewarded with a pananoic view of the interior layout. If you want to avoid the queue, goes either early or near closing time which is 5pm.

nisakorn masunthasuwan profile photo

nisakorn masunthasuwan

November 3, 2024

To visit the famously beautiful reading room on 3/F that you need to get on a small elevator to 5/F to see from a bird’s eye view. Cosy ground floor room with modern facility and air-conditioned room to work quietly or escape the heat. Very good vibe outside at the lawn. No wonder why local people love this place.

Sean Nairn profile photo

Sean Nairn

January 25, 2025

Amazing historical building located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, close to transport and shopping. Even if you aren’t into books it is worth walking through to check out the architecture and regular exhibitions - as at January 2025 they have Ned Kelly’s armour on display. The dome in the main reading room is an excellent example of 19th century architecture, make sure you go up to the top floor for the best view. Melbourne Central shopping centre is right across the road where you can get food and drinks before or after your visit.

Debi Slinger profile photo

Debi Slinger

January 23, 2025

TIMOT (Tourist in my own town) again and today I explored the @library_vic I thought I’d never visited the library but after the free one hour tour, I learnt that the library used to be Melbourne’s art gallery and museum. I have distinct memories seeing Phar Lap as a kid in a museum so I must’ve been here. Here are some of my personal highlights from today. The grassy grounds at the front are alluring on any day but particularly a warm Melbourne sunny afternoon. Near the entrance, two large chess sets were set up surrounded by bean bags and chairs filled with spectators. A box of kids books were being well used. A guitar playing busker doing his thing nearby added to the ambience. The scope of how this building has evolved over the years is an astounding m testament to those with foresight and money (thank you @ianpotterfdn) for their original and continual support for the growth and improvement of the State Library. The #latrobereadingroom, with its classic Dome takes your breath away. The ambience oozes from ground floor to the six floors above to the dome. One of the enduring delights of the Reading Room is being able to sit in a chair with well-worn grooves that has seated generations of readers, thinkers and dreamers for more than 100 years. These conventional office swivel chairs were made in polished Queensland silky oak for a cost of less than £220 for the set (yes that’s right!). The chairs, the timber desks along with the iconic green lamps equals classic Melbourne former times. Really would’ve liked to have stood on the “shusher’s” podium in the middle of the room but alas, it’s off limits. It’ll take me two visits to really grasp the scope of this is place that covers a full Melbourne block - #swanstonstreet to #russellstreet . Next tour here for me will be the free World of the Book Tour and the I’d love to do the Dome to Catacombs tour but it’s booked out until the end of February. Bonus: my 93 yo dad came here to study as a young man and my 22 yo daughter has too recently. Multi generational establishment. Oh and I found my own books in the library too! #thewanderingreviewer #googlelocalguide #statelibraryofvictoria #tripadvisor


Other spaces at this venue

7 Spaces Available At This Venue
Cowen Gallery

Cowen Gallery

This spectacular 19th-century gallery creates an atmosphere of prestige, refinement and exclusivity. Surrounded by an eclectic mix of original paintings from our vast collection, the large room is a center point between the Redmond Barry Re...

280
400
Price on Request
View More Details
Conversation Quarter

Conversation Quarter

The Conversation Quarter, will connect the Library and its guests across the state and around the world. This state-of-the-art public forum will be equipped with the latest two-way broadcast, top-end conference and presentation technology. ...

300
350
Price on Request
View More Details
Light & Flexible Seminar Rooms

Light & Flexible Seminar Rooms

The Seminar Rooms are a group of spaces designed for meeting and engagement purposes. A flexible floor plan means spaces can be opened up or sectioned off for different purposes. Located in the Armstrong Building and adjacent to Entry 3, f...

70
Price on Request
View More Details
The Ian Potter Queen's Hall

The Ian Potter Queen's Hall

The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall is one of Melbourne’s most beautiful 19th-century interiors, evoking the splendour of marvellous Melbourne. Ian Potter Queens Hall will transform into a special wedding event space, taking full advantage of its h...

300
501
Price on Request
View More Details
State Library Victoria Theatrette

State Library Victoria Theatrette

The Theatrette has fixed raked seating capacity for 200 and features fully integrated multimedia equipment, all with remote panel control. Lecture tablets are fitted to all seats. Two rows are also fitted with power outlets to enable e...

200
Price on Request
View More Details
North Rotunda

North Rotunda

This elegant gallery is a stunning backdrop for an intimate dinner or memorable cocktail party. The North Rotunda has undergone recent restoration and will have it’s walls redecorated as part of current redevelopment works featuring signifi...

70
90
Price on Request
View More Details
La Trobe Reading Room

La Trobe Reading Room

Undoubtedly one of the most impressive spaces that Australia has to offer. The La Trobe Reading Room carries a sense of awe and amazement as soon as it is entered. A spectacular architectural feature, the dome, makes an remarkable centrepie...

144
520
Price on Request
View More Details

Venue Hours

Monday10:00am-06:30pm
Tuesday10:00am-06:30pm
Wednesday10:00am-06:30pm
Thursday10:00am-06:30pm
Friday10:00am-06:30pm
Saturday10:00am-06:30pm
Sunday10:00am-06:30pm
Pricing Price on request

Event Types

18th Birthday Party21st Birthday Party30th Birthday Party40th Birthday Party50th Birthday PartyAGMAwards DinnerBaby ShowerBar MitzvahBirthday PartyBreakfastBridal ShowerBucks PartyChristeningChristmas PartyCocktail PartyConcertConferenceCorporate FunctionCorporate OffsiteCorporate RetreatDinnerEnd of Financial Year PartyEngagement PartyExhibitionFunctionGala DinnerHens PartyKids PartyLunchMeetingNetworking EventProduct LaunchSchool FormalSeminarTrade ShowTrainingTrivia NightUniversity BallWeddingWedding CeremonyWorkshop