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Events
featured
Paul Kara, mentalist, c. 1921, gelatin silver photograph, WG Alma conjuring collection
Carnival of curiosity
Performance
Date:
Sunday 7 July 2013 (All day) Cost:
Free Venue:
Multiple venues
See list below for venue details
Bookings:
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Celebrate our Dome Centenary with free activities, talks and tours uncovering collection curiosities.
Marvel at stilt walkers and magicians, march alongside an old-time brass band, enjoy tours, talks and performances.
Whether you’re 1 or 101 there will be surprises galore, free for all.
Exhibitions
Paul Compton, Ex Libris, 2011, handmade book with ink, tea and gouache illustrations, collection of the artist
Enchanted dome: the Library and imagination
Date:
Tuesday 01 January 2013 – Sunday 14 July 2013 Cost:
Free Venue:
Cowen Gallery
Level 2a, Main entry, Swanston St
The State Library’s domed La Trobe Reading Room is a Melbourne icon, a space that has inspired writers and artists since it opened on 14 November 1913.
This exhibition celebrates the dome’s forthcoming 100th anniversary, featuring representations of the dome in art and literature from the 1950s to today. They include prints by Marco Luccio, paintings by Louise Forthun, cartoons by Oslo Davis and Barry Dickins, and photographs by John Gollings and Mark Strizic. Writers represented include Ray Lawler, Shane Maloney and Arnold Zable.
Historian Stuart Macintyre described the dome as a ‘magical hidden place’. This idea resonates through this display, from Cernak’s whimsical ink drawings to Rick Amor’s brooding canvas of the dome at night.
This is a free exhibition, open during Library hours. It is one of many Dome Centenary events taking place in 2013, to celebrate our iconic dome and all that it enables.
Please Note
Flickering lights and patterns are used in the music video presented in this exhibition.
John Gould, A Monograph of the Trochilidæ, or, A Family of Humming-birds, London, published by the author, 1849–61
Mirror of the world
Date:
Tuesday 01 January 2013 – Tuesday 31 December 2013 Cost:
Free Venue:
Dome Galleries
Levels 4 & 5, Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Not required. Tel 03 8664 7099 for more information.
This exhibition showcases many of the rare, beautiful and historically significant books held in the Library's collections.
Located in the Dome Galleries overlooking the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room, this exhibition celebrates the unique place of books in our hearts and minds.
Mirror of the world provides an overview of the history of book production, design and illustration, with a display of fine examples from the Library's collections dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.
This free exhibition is open 10am–5pm daily.
Charles Boyles, Coburg football club senior team, c 1938–39, gift of Messrs Harley and Colin Boyles
The changing face of Victoria
Date:
Tuesday 01 January 2013 – Tuesday 31 December 2013 Cost:
Free Venue:
Dome Galleries
Levels 4 & 5, Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Not required. Tel 03 8664 7099 for more information.
This exhibition brings together historical artefacts, photographs, drawings, maps, letters and diaries to tell the stories of the people, places and events that have shaped life in Victoria over the past 200 years.
Located in the Dome Galleries overlooking the magnificent La Trobe Reading Room, items on regular display include key artefacts such as the last notes of Burke and Wills and Ned Kelly's armour.
This is a free exhibition, open daily 10am–5pm.
View of the Domed Reading Room (detail), 1985, gelatin silver photograph, Viva Gibb
A creative decade: 10 years of Creative Fellows
Date:
Wednesday 20 March 2013 – Sunday 17 November 2013 Cost:
Free Venue:
Dome reading room
Level 3
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Library’s annual Creative Fellowships program. Reflecting its place as a hub for intellectual and cultural inquiry, the Library awards fellowships to those working in creative and scholarly spheres.
Over the past decade, fellowships have been awarded to artists, writers, composers and others engaged in cultural endeavours. All have created new ways of understanding and interpreting the Library’s unique collections.
This display in the dome dais (pulpit cases) of the La Trobe Reading Room presents a snapshot of publications by some of the recipients.
A creative decade is a free exhibition, open during Library hours.
The Public Library (detail), 1860, Nicholas Chevalier, watercolour, gift of Mr McEwan, 1965
Free, secular and democratic: building the Public Library 1853–1913
Date:
Thursday 30 May 2013 – Sunday 02 February 2014 Cost:
Free Venue:
Keith Murdoch Gallery
Main entry, Swanston Street
Discover the cultural centrepiece of 19th-centuryMelbourneand the grand vision that inspired it. This free exhibition traces the first 60 years of the Melbourne Public Library (now the State Library of Victoria), from its founding in 1853 to the opening of the magnificent domed reading room in 1913.
The Library and the cultural institutions that shared its site – the museum, gallery and art schools – were established by a group of colonial liberals including judge Sir Redmond Barry and architect Joseph Reed. They aimed to create a civic centre that was secular, democratic and enlightened, offering free access to self-improvement through learning.
Free, secular and democratic tells the story of this grand vision and its legacy today. It examines the building’s architecture, including the beautiful Queen’s Hall and domed reading room, and reveals how the Library’s collection was developed. It also revisits the great Intercolonial Exhibition held at the Library site in 1866–67.
The exhibition is curated by Harriet Edquist, Professor of Architectural History at RMIT and Director of RMIT Design Archives, as part of the Library’s Dome Centenary celebrations.
Free, secular and democratic is a free exhibition, open daily 10am–5pm and until 9pm Thursdays.
This is one of many Dome Centenary events taking place in 2013, to celebrate our iconic dome and all that it enables.
Discovery trail
Collect a brochure from the foyer and follow the map to take a self-guided tour through the Library. Discover images and stories about the building’s history and some of the key people who led the institutions located here.
Events Displaying 18 events
May 2013
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Saturday 25 May 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Saturday 25 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Sunday 26 May 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Sunday 26 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Monday 27 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Tuesday 28 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Wednesday 29 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Thursday 30 May 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Inspection of windows by architect Norman Peebles and clerk of work, Melbourne Public Library, c. 1913, unknown photographer, gelatin silver photograph
Free, secular and democratic: the curator’s view
Talk
Date:
Thursday 30 May 2013, 2:30pm – 3:30pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Keith Murdoch Gallery
Main entry, Swanston Street
Bookings:
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Join curator Harriet Edquist, Professor of Architecture at RMIT, as she traces the first 60 years of the Melbourne Public Library (now the State Library). Hear about the Library’s origins as the cultural centrepiece of 19th-century Melbourne.
Book online
Inspection of windows by architect Norman Peebles and clerk of work, Melbourne Public Library, c. 1913, unknown photographer, gelatin silver photograph
Free, secular and democratic: the curator’s view
Talk
Date:
Friday 31 May 2013, 11:00am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Keith Murdoch Gallery
Main entry, Swanston Street
Bookings:
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Join curator Harriet Edquist, Professor of Architecture at RMIT, as she traces the first 60 years of the Melbourne Public Library (now the State Library). Hear about the Library’s origins as the cultural centrepiece of 19th-century Melbourne.
Book online
June 2013
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Saturday 1 June 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Inspection of windows by architect Norman Peebles and clerk of work, Melbourne Public Library, c. 1913, unknown photographer, gelatin silver photograph
Free, secular and democratic: the curator’s view
Talk
Date:
Saturday 1 June 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Keith Murdoch Gallery
Main entry, Swanston Street
Bookings:
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Join curator Harriet Edquist, Professor of Architecture at RMIT, as she traces the first 60 years of the Melbourne Public Library (now the State Library). Hear about the Library’s origins as the cultural centrepiece of 19th-century Melbourne.
Book online
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Sunday 2 June 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Dome Galleries tour
Tour
Date:
Monday 3 June 2013, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
03 8664 7099
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Bookings not required, except for groups or audio tours.
Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the Mirror of the world and The changing face of Victoria exhibitions.
This tour is held 2–3pm daily, except public holidays.
Public Library, photographed by Victorian Railways, c1945–c1954
The dome and Melbourne 1913
Talk
Date:
Tuesday 25 June 2013, 6:00pm – 7:15pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Queen's Hall
Level 3, Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Book online
|
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Join author Robyn Annear in discussion with WWI historian Michael McKernan, author Kristin Otto, President of the Art Deco and Modernism Society Robin Grow, and author Dr Tony Moore as they place the opening of the Library’s domed reading room into the cultural context of Melbourne circa 1913.
July 2013
Paul Kara, mentalist, c. 1921, gelatin silver photograph, WG Alma conjuring collection
Carnival of curiosity
Performance
Date:
Sunday 7 July 2013 (All day) Cost:
Free Venue:
Multiple venues
See list below for venue details
Bookings:
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Celebrate our Dome Centenary with free activities, talks and tours uncovering collection curiosities.
Marvel at stilt walkers and magicians, march alongside an old-time brass band, enjoy tours, talks and performances.
Whether you’re 1 or 101 there will be surprises galore, free for all.
Musicians from the Nefes Ensemble create magical sounds under the Library's great dome at the Persian Cultural Day, Sunday 3 June 2012.
Fanfare for a new dome: George Dreyfus AM in conversation
Talk
Date:
Sunday 7 July 2013, 3:00pm – 4:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Village Roadshow Theatrette
Entry 3, La Trobe St
Bookings:
Book online
|
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Hear George Dreyfus in conversation with musicologist Dr Joel Crotty from Monash University. Then enjoy a performance of Fanfare for a new dome performed by percussionist and brass players.
Owen Jones, The grammar of ornament (detail), Day and Son, 1856
From architecture to ornament: the Melbourne Public Library in the 19th century
Talk
Date:
Thursday 25 July 2013, 5:30pm – 7:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Village Roadshow Theatrette
Entry 3, La Trobe St
Bookings:
Book online
|
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
In celebration of the centenary of the domed La Trobe Reading Room, Professor Harriet Edquist (RMIT) will reflect on the intersections of design and architectural history with the history of Melbourne and its public library, now the State Library of Victoria.
Professor Edquist will also look at one of the featured items in the Free, secular and democratic exhibition, Owen Jones’s book, The grammar of ornament, and its influence on colonial liberals such as judge Sir Redmond Barry and architect Joseph Reed, and the design of Melbourne’s historic public buildings.
Upcoming
August 2013
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Monday 26 August 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Tuesday 27 August 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
The written word and the dome
Talk
Date:
Tuesday 27 August 2013, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Village Roadshow Theatrette
Entry 3, La Trobe St
Bookings:
Book online
|
03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
The Library’s majestic domed reading room has inspired generations of authors, playwrights and poets to aspire to literary greatness. Join broadcaster and author Ramona Koval and a panel of writers as they discuss the role of space and inspiration in regards to the writing process.
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Thursday 29 August 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Friday 30 August 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Saturday 31 August 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
September 2013
Dome to dungeons tour
Tour
Booked out for May
Date:
Sunday 1 September 2013, 10:30am – 12:00pm Cost:
Free Venue:
Meet in front foyer
Main entry, Swanston St
Bookings:
Tel 03 8664 7099 |
inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au
Bookings required
Bookings required
See a different side of the State Library during Library and Information Week, moving from Level 6 of the dome to basement storage areas that are not usually open to the public.
Bookings required.
Share your story
