State Library Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Library
•Why you'll love State Library Victoria
- Features incredible event spaces in Australia's oldest and most impressive Library.
- With a 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. These beautiful spaces include the grand Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, restored to its former 1850s 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 with beautiful heritage interiors and modern amenities. The library houses a wide range of function spaces and break-out spaces. State Library Victoria has hosted conferences, weddings, opulent dinners, effective workshops, 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.
Reviews for State Library Victoria
Greg Crump
The State Library is a fantastic place to visit. Free to get in and so much more than just books. Lots of free exhibitions and special events. The art collection is stunning and tells the history of Victoria. Highly recommend. Also a great place to relax, study or read a book.
Dan P
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A peaceful gem in the middle of the city! We really enjoyed exploring the State Library Victoria — such a calm and beautiful space right in the heart of the city! The architecture is stunning, and the building itself feels grand yet welcoming. It’s one of those places where you can take things slow, wander around, and just soak in the atmosphere. One thing I loved was the open outdoor space just in front of the library — there were people relaxing all around the benches, playing giant chess with those oversized pieces, and flocks of birds just walking around freely. It gave the place such a chill, lively vibe even before stepping indoors. Definitely makes you pause and enjoy the moment. Inside, it’s peaceful and cool (literally and figuratively). There are areas you can explore quietly, and the design of the reading rooms is impressive — even if you’re not studying or reading, it’s nice to just sit and appreciate the calm energy. The whole place is super clean and well-maintained too. We didn’t plan to stay long but ended up spending more time than expected. If you’re in Melbourne CBD and want somewhere to rest your feet, enjoy a bit of quiet, or snap a few pretty photos, this is a lovely spot to pop into. Bonus: it’s free!
Steve Bintley
This is a must visit for anyone’s first time in the city. The building is impressive enough from the outside, but the main library area inside is truly stunning. It’s great that accessing the viewing gallery is free and it really is worth taking the trip to the top. Admiring such a symmetrical and peaceful landmark from above makes it obvious why it’s so famous and it remained the most memorable landmark in the city for me.
Akrem Jaouadi
For an enriching experience in Melbourne, visit the magnificent State Library Victoria. This architecturally stunning building houses millions of books, providing a quiet haven for readers and researchers alike. What's even better? Access is completely free! Just remember to maintain a hushed environment, as many people are deeply immersed in their studies and reading.
A D
Awesome library, greatly enjoyed the hour long tour. History of the library, the architecture, paintings, the 21st century renovation project, reading rooms, hubs and everything was explained very nicely by the tour guide. Grand LaTrobe room is the highlight of the tour. Ned Kelly armour is in display too. It was good to see how popular the library is even in the digital age with most of the library seats occupied.
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