State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Function Venue
•Why you'll love State Library of Victoria
- 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.
State Library Victoria is without a doubt one of the most recognisable landmarks in Melbourne – recently having just undergone an incredible $88.1 redevelopment. Restoring and reopening spaces within the Library, some of which have been closed for over a decade. It is one of the most ambitious projects the Library has undertaken and has resulted in some of Melbourne’s most historic and captivating spaces now available for events. This includes the grand Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, restored to its former 1850’s architectural features and paint scheme. As well as fully equipped conference areas like the Conversation Quarter, fitted with state-of-the-art A/V and broadcast technology. The spectacular La Trobe Reading Room, the grand Melbourne stalwart leads something of a double life as an elegant function venue. This modern update to the State Library opens up a world of event possibilities with the combined use of multiple areas for large-scale programs, multi-space conferences and festival concepts. A true events hub, located in the middle of Melbourne’s central business district. The new Library is an events precinct unparalleled by location, facilities, style and history. The library will house eleven different function spaces, State Library Victoria has hosted conferences, weddings, opulent dinners, unique launches and countless corporate presentations. It's not difficult to see why, with the high ceilings, old-world sophistication, wooden floorboards and artwork found throughout the venue's many spaces.
State Library of Victoria Function Rooms
Cowen Heritage Gallery Space
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Isabella Fraser Room
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,...
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...
Reviews for State Library of Victoria
leonardo claver
I visited the Victoria Library last Saturday and was impressed with the extensive collection of books and resources available. The staff were helpful and knowledgeable, making it easy to navigate the library and find what I was looking for. The atmosphere was peaceful and conducive to studying or reading. I liked very much that they allocated sections for study and work with free and fast internet and free computers. It is really a wonderful gesture from the Victorian government. 💯👏
Thanh Hảo Lê
I recently had the chance to visit the State Library Victoria in Melbourne, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight. As someone who loves getting lost in a good book, I was immediately taken aback by the sheer scale of the place. It's massive! But not just big, it has this grand, old-world feel to it, with beautiful architectural details and these stunning reading rooms that feel straight out of a movie. I spent hours just wandering around, browsing the shelves and soaking in the atmosphere. They have such an incredible collection, from historical documents to modern bestsellers, and everything in between. I even stumbled upon a special exhibit showcasing some of Australia's literary history, which was fascinating. But beyond the books, what really struck me was the energy of the place. There were people of all ages and backgrounds, quietly reading, working on laptops, or attending talks and events. It felt like a true community hub, a space where everyone was welcome to learn, explore, and be inspired. Overall, my visit to the State Library Victoria was an enriching and memorable experience. Whether you're a bookworm like me or simply someone who appreciates history and culture, I highly recommend checking it out. It's a true Melbourne gem.
Aleksandar Lazic (Lazica)
A must visit when in Melbourne, peaceful, quiet, historical, educational. Gorgeous historical building with lots of spaces to explore with a free exhibition. Always diverse group of people at the front of the building on benches, grass, playing chess. Awesome vibe. Loved Melbourne space.
Leanne White
When visiting Melbourne, the State Library Victoria needs to be at the top of the list. Australia's oldest library and one of the first free libraries in the world, this extensive and impressive building has been looking after the reading needs of Victorians for almost 170 years. While there are many library and gallery spaces on the large site, the La Trobe Reading Room is truly the icing on the cake. While many quietly study, you can explore the library shelves here and slowly make your way up to the very top of this huge domed space. We were also fortunate to bump into Judy, the Philanthropy and Brand Manager as we were making our way around the reading room. Here are some photos of our visit... Do yourself a favour and spend some quiet time here. We will be back soon :-)
Daniel Sin
State library of Melbourne very grand and beautiful inside. I was standing in awe of the preservation that goes into maintaining the table that each has a name to it and at the same time served as a museum exhibits while it is a fully functional library on the basement. I am very amazed on how they do that which is great.
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