Since State Library Victoria first opened its doors to the public in February 1856, the Library has grown to span an entire city block, adding all manner of reading rooms, galleries, exhibition spaces, lecture halls and venues.

Explore the many magnificent spaces below:

La Trobe Reading Room

The Library’s most spectacular architectural highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room’s dome, a truly impressive centerpiece for a special event.

Exquisitely restored in 2003, the La Trobe Reading Room features custom-built desks of Queensland silky oak timber, heritage chairs and traditional green reading lamps. Centered under the soaring dome, creating a unique setting for keynote speakers and live performances. The furniture is fixed so the room is only suitable for cocktail events that really leave an impression.

CAPACITY:

• 500 cocktail

Floor Area: 1000m2

Victoria Gallery
Opened in October 2019, Victoria Gallery endowed by the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, is the Library’s newest exhibition space. Recently, the stunning space has been given the green light for events and perfect for those that want to experience the exhibition and prestige the gallery has to offer.

Isabella Fraser Room

Once closed to the public, the Isabella Fraser Room is a classically styled venue dazzling with natural light streaming in through expansive windows, and is graced by coffered white ceilings and parquetry floors. Perfect for a private event, the room is accessed through a separate entry.

Combine your event with bespoke curator-led experiences: invite your guests to a private viewing of an exhibition in Victoria Gallery or gain expert insights into the manuscripts, artefacts and other items on display at the Library.

CAPACITY:

• 156 banquet
• 220 cocktail
• 200 theatre

Floor Area: 308m2

Conversation Quarter

The Conversation Quarter is a unique blend of heritage architecture and cutting-edge technology, ideal for lectures, panel discussions and seminars.

Melding three centuries of architecture under one roof, the courtyard space features the Library’s original bluestone wall as a one-of-a-kind focal point, backed by the Edwardian arched windows of the La Trobe Reading Room and topped with postmodern roofing. Equipped with the latest live-stream technology, the space can be connected in real time to international speakers and organisations across the globe.

With a flexible floor plan and seating options ranging from formal to casual, the Conversation Quarter can accommodate the smallest of seminars or fabulous larger functions.

If you’re organising a major conference, the Conversation Quarter can be hired as a complementary venue for events held in the Village Roadshow Theatrette or Conference Centre.

CAPACITY:

• 156 banquet
• 350 cocktail
• 320 theatre

Floor Area: 495m2

The Ian Potter Queen’s Hall 
The original Library reading room, is one of Melbourne’s most breathtaking venues. The room features refurbished 1860s decor and restored skylights set off by the imposing double-height room lined with gilded arcades transforms into an opulent venue for special events.

With entry via a grand marble staircase, the hall lends a sense of drama and exclusivity to any occasion, and is equipped with a dedicated suite of banquet furniture, integrated AV and catering facilities.

CAPACITY:

• 290 banquet
• 500 cocktail
• 200 theatre

Floor Area: 955m2

Image of the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall

This information has been provided by the State Library Victoria. For further detail on venues head to their website.