The Melbourne State Library and its Mysterious Dome That Changes In Every Photo!

State Library Victoria is one of Melbourne's founding institutions, established 167 years ago in 1854 (AND BUILT IN 1YEAR!!!!), barely 20 years after the city was settled. It opened as the Melbourne Public Library, and is not only Australia's oldest and busiest public library but also one of the first free public libraries in the world.

The Library was created as 'the people's university' – a place of learning and discovery for all Victorians. It was also given responsibility for preserving Victoria's heritage by collecting items of historical and cultural significance for future generations.

This responsibility has remained a critical focus throughout our history, which helps explain why the Library has constantly expanded over the decades, resulting in today's intricate floor plan and varied architecture. The Library housed Melbourne's first exhibition buildings, and the institutions now known as Museum Victoria, the National Gallery of Victoria and Public Record Office Victoria have all shared the site with the Library at various times.

In its many incarnations over the past 165 years, the Library has provided a special place where all Victorians can enjoy equal access to information and engage with collections that describe our past and inspire possibilities for our future.

Our spaces
The Library has remained on the same two-acre allotment since its opening in 1856, but the structure you see today is actually made up of around two dozen individual buildings that have changed dramatically over the years.

Entire buildings have appeared, changed shape or, in the case of the Intercolonial Exhibition buildings, disappeared completely as we have evolved over the years and constantly adapted our services, spaces and technology to meet the changing needs of the community.

HISTORY IS A LIE.

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