Art After Dark
About Art After Dark
Experience a different state of mind as you journey through the Library after dark.
Kick back with a drink and enjoy performances, workshops, installations and more throughout the Library.
Dates: 6pm - 1am, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May.
On Friday and Saturday night, Readings will be open until 9pm and Guild cafe will be open until 11pm.
Auslan interpretation will be available between 6.30pm to 9.30pm on both nights on request. Speak to Library staff on either night for more information.
The Dome
Midnight at Pink Lake by award-winning artists The Orbweavers, Gatherer Media and The Electric Canvas.
Immerse yourself in the Library’s Dome as our iconic 360-degree after-dark projections return for two nights only. Be transported through the city and over bridges to tidal saltmarsh pools, exploring the colours, sounds and beauty of these unique ecosystems.
Sessions: every 15 minutes, no booking required. Meet in the Conversation Quarter.
- 7pm-1am, Friday 13 May
- 9pm-1am, Saturday 14 May
Read more about the installation.
Redmond Barry Reading Room
Friday 13 May
Take part in letter writing with Melanie Knight, where participants write their own letter to be given to the Library of Letters to be read by someone else at another time. An intimate yet global experience and opportunity.
Try your hand at the art of paper folding with a workshop in origami with Melbourne Origami Group.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Saturday 14 May
Take part in letter writing with Melanie Knight, where participants write their own letter to be given to the Library of Letters to be read by someone else at another time. An intimate yet global experience and opportunity.
Join us for a session on traditional Chinese paper-cutting with Confucius Institute.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Cowen Gallery
Friday 13 May/Saturday 14 May
Make your move on a large-scale chessboard situated in the Cowen Gallery.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Information Centre
Friday 13 May/Saturday 14 May
Imbued with a sense of calmness and serenity, enjoy DJ Emma Peel’s ambient tunes, or take part in a quieter activity and view unboxing videos, or participate in a craft activity with Library staff members.
A bar will be open and food will be available to purchase.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Create Quarter
Kimba Thompson
Friday 13 May
Come and share stories while you learn how to weave flowers, bookmarks and adornments with Veisinia Tonga and friends, or follow a video tutorial and try your hand at drawing an iconic image from the Library's collection.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Saturday 14 May
Come and share stories while you learn how to weave flowers, bookmarks and adornments with Veisinia Tonga and friends, or follow a video tutorial and try your hand at drawing an iconic image from the Library's collection.
Join Beci Orpin to create and decorate some 3D paper flowers, birds and animals inspired by the Library's collection.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Digital Lab
Friday 13 May/Saturday 14 May
Chill out in this quiet space for the evening with a book or magazine.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter
Friday 13 May
Join artist Tai Snaith to turn your fingerprint into your spirit animal for a unique keepsake, or participate in crafting your own Chinese paper lanterns with the Confucius Institute.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am
Saturday 14 May
Take you imagination on a journey as we dig through vintage books and magazines extracting images that catch your eye, to create a collage nouveau with help from Emma Grace.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.
Roaming
Paul Dunn
Friday 13 May/Saturday 14 May
Share in the delight of a roving performance for all ages to enjoy by Born in a Taxi theatre ensemble. Surreal, visually stunning and playful, these floating benevolent beings bestow light and joy wherever they land.
Sessions: no bookings required, 6pm-1am.