State Library Victoria
City of Melbourne
central library for the state of Victoria, Australia
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1State Library Victoria
Welcome to State Library Victoria, one of Melbourne's 'most treasured public places' and the oldest public library in Australia. Standing here in the heart of the CBD, this institution occupies an 'entire city block' and has been…
Listen in the app2La Trobe Reading Room — The Great Dome
We stand within the 'most famous part of the library,' the La Trobe Reading Room. Completed in 1913, this 'six-story octagonal space' is a breathtaking architectural feat, measuring 35 meters across and 35 meters tall, topped…
Listen in the app3The Facade and Swanston Street Forecourt
Stepping back outside to the Swanston Street facade, we observe a 'beautiful example of English Palladian architecture.' The columns and 'grand steps' leading into the forecourt are made from 'Tasmanian sandstone,' creating a…
Listen in the app4Redmond Barry Reading Room — A Mezzanine View
Located at the 'back end of the library' is the Redmond Barry Reading Room, one of my 'favorite rooms' for its 'architectural details.' Built in 1893 and originally named 'McCoy Hall,' it once housed the 'Industrial and…
Listen in the app5Queen's Hall — A Restored Vision
One of the most 'lovingly restored' spaces from the Vision 2020 redevelopment is Queen's Hall. This area had been 'closed for decades' before being brought back to life as part of the $88 million project. …
Listen in the app6The Quad and Information Center — The Dome's Foundation
Descending into the 'basement of the dome,' we find 'The Quad' and the Information Center. This area once functioned as a 'newspaper reading room' back in the day, but it has been transformed into a 'dynamic' space for…
Listen in the app7Murals and the Marble Staircase
As we move toward the 'grand stairs,' notice the two major 'murals by major Australian artists' that decorate the entrance area. These works, 'War' by H. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our tour of State Library Victoria concludes here, at the heart of Melbourne's 'cherished' public life. We have traveled from the 'grandeur' of the La Trobe Reading Room to the 'lovingly restored' Queen's Hall, exploring a site…
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What is State Library Victoria?
State Library Victoria is a place in City of Melbourne with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | City of Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | -37.8098, 144.9650 |
| Last updated |
