The dome balconies
Watch Access All Areas: the dome balconies
The charming, narrow balconies along the domed La Trobe Reading Room's walls once held books that were an intrinsic part of the State collection.
But there's a very good reason why you never, ever see anybody up there now.
Join Kate Torney for an abridged history of the dome's book-laden balconies ... which for more than a century have furnished not only this iconic space, but also the daydreams and nostalgic reveries of its many visitors.
Discover more about the dome balconies
- The octagonal dome was modelled on the British Museum and Washington's Library of Congress. Opened to great fanfare in 1913, it received a major renovation in 1999 before re-opening in 2003 as the La Trobe Reading Room.
- You can find a wonderfully comprehensive and occasionally quirky timeline of the dome's chronology on Trove.
- Browse our research guide on the history of State Library Victoria to find out more about this august room's architectural design, history and redevelopment.
About Access All Areas
In this video series, join former CEO Kate Torney for exclusive insights into her most cherished collection items, spaces (including some that even staff can't access!), legends and legacies at State Library Victoria.