Detail from Jean Bowring, Cake icing and decorating, Melbourne, Colourgravure Publications, Herald and Weekly Times, 1950, Beverley Wood collection
Tuesday 1 January 2013 - Sunday 28 April 2013
Free
Savour the rich culinary history of Victoria in this free exhibition, featuring gastronomic treasures from our collections – from the first Australian cookbook, published in 1864, to an actual World War I army biscuit.
Gusto! explores Victoria's historic and contemporary culinary landscape, covering subjects such as the history of viticulture, Indigenous foods, sustainable food practices, fine dining and food rationing, and also features the fascinating stories of significant Victorian culinary figures including Jacques Reymond, Rita Erlich, Guy Grossi and Stephanie Alexander.
The exhibition is complemented by a full program of events and activities.
Companion card accepted at State Library of Victoria events.
Gusto! is a free exhibition, open daily 10am–5pm and until 9pm Thursdays.
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Image gallery
View our Gusto! image gallery for a taste of the exhibition.
Videos
Watch interviews with Guy Grossi, Rita Erlich, Jacques Reymond and other Victorian food identities in the videos at the bottom of this page.
Gusto! exclusive hospitality packages
Invite your clients, guests or staff to a special evening in the distinctive surrounds of the Library, with delicious catering and exclusive after-hours access to the Gusto! exhibition. Choose from one of six hospitality packages that showcase the culinary riches of Victoria, or contact the venue hire team to create a custom experience. Download a brochure for our Gusto! hospitality packages at the bottom of this page.
Education resources
Our 'Gusto!' teaching materials for teachers include curriculum-based inquiry units and activities. We also offer exhibition-related programs for school groups visiting the Library.
More to explore
Associated events
Tuesday 12 February 2013, 1:00pm - 1:30pm
Taste selected highlights of the free Gusto! exhibition and discover the rich culinary history of Victoria.
Friday 15 February 2013, 9:30am - 11:00am
Join our audio-descriptive tour and discover the culinary history of Victoria.
Tuesday 5 March 2013, 7:00pm - 11:00pm
This special five-course dinner highlights Melbourne’s history as the cocktail capital of the world in the gold rush era.
Thursday 14 February 2013, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Join curator Tracey Judd Iva and food writer and critic Rita Erlich as they guide you through the Gusto! exhibition.
Wednesday 13 March 2013, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Food historian Barbara Santich traces this much-loved tradition back to early European settlement.
Thursday 14 March 2013, 6:00pm - 7:15pm
Join broadcaster and author Indira Naidoo for a conversation about sustainable living and eating.
Saturday 16 March 2013, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Indulge in the tradition of high tea in the Library's splendid Red Rotunda, followed by a leisurely stroll through the Gusto! exhibition.
Thursday 18 April 2013, 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Join Gusto! curator Tracey Judd Iva and Robin Grow, President of the Art Deco and Modernism Society, for a fascinating glimpse of the culinary world of 1950s Melbourne.
Thursday 28 February 2013, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Sample fresh local produce as Melbourne's fresh food markets bring their delicious tastes, smells and sights to the Library forecourt!
Gusto! hospitality packages – PDF [1.86 MB]
Gusto! hospitality packages – Word [46.5 KB]
