Building Development
The Library's imposing Swanston Street building, with its classical italianate façade, has been a Melbourne landmark for almost 150 years. Designed by notable colonial architect Joseph Reed, the original Library buildings were constructed in stages from the early 1850s.
On 3 July 1854, Victoria's Governor Sir Charles Hotham laid the Library's foundation stones. Two years later, the central portion of the Swanston Street building - comprising the entrance hall and first floor reading room - was opened to the public. A south and north wing were added to this building in 1859 and 1864, and in 1870 Reed's design for the central section of the Swanston Street façade was completed with the addition of the grand portico. These original buildings were erected using bluestone faced with Victorian and Tasmanian sandstone.
Over the years, the Library has undergone many building transformations. In the late 19th century temporary buildings constructed for exhibitions were later replaced with permanent structures. Some of these were for the National Gallery and Museum which, for many years shared the Library site. Others were built to house the expanding collection and provide a greater range of services. Two of the most significant building projects are featured on the following pages.
The Library's most spectacular architectural feature, the Domed Reading Room was opened in 1913 to celebrate the Library's jubilee.
The Library's redevelopment project, which involves the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of new purpose-built spaces, began in 1990 and is scheduled for completion in 2005.
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