1000 Museums

The State Library of Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the state’s most prominent cultural and heritage destinations. Established in 1856, the Library occupies 22 buildings on a central city block and contains several impressive exhibition spaces.

The Dome Galleries house two free permanent exhibitions. Mirror of the world: books and ideas showcases rare, beautiful and significant books from the Library’s collection. The changing face of Victoria traces the people, places and events that have shaped Victoria over 200 years, and includes Ned Kelly’s armour and famous Jerilderie letter.

The elegant Cowen Gallery contains a permanent display of artworks from the Library’s collection of oil paintings and portrait sculptures, while the Keith Murdoch Gallery features major temporary exhibitions.

With over 1.7 million visitors each year, the State Library is a popular destination with a year-round program of tours, public lectures, evening events and family activities, as well as some of Melbourne’s most stunning heritage interiors, such as the majestic domed La Trobe Reading Room and historic Queen’s Hall.