Blockbuster World of the Book exhibition breaks records

Close to a million people have enjoyed free access to State Library Victoria’s blockbuster World of the Book exhibition in the past 12 months. 

The 20th-anniversary edition of the exhibition opened on 31 May 2025, and the millionth visitor is expected before World of the Book closes this Sunday 17 May.  

Australia’s longest-running, largest and most popular book exhibition, World of the Book is rewritten each year to illuminate the treasured place of books in our hearts and minds through the extraordinary riches of the State Collection – from a 4000-year-old cuneiform tablet to the modern books we read today. 

The one-million record surpasses the Library’s previous highest annual exhibition visitation of 842,614, for World of the Book in 2024–2025. 

It means that over 2 decades World of the Book has provided free access to more than 5000 items from the State Collection for close to 6 million visitors. 

As State Library Victoria celebrates its 170th anniversary in 2026, the immense popularity of World of the Book illustrates the Library’s invaluable role in providing free access to the State Collection through curated exhibitions that invite deeper engagement, advance research and industry, and foster inclusion and community connection. 

The Library is on track to welcome a total of 3 million visitors through its doors for the 2026 financial year, and has already seen more than 2,180,000 exhibition visits in total since July 2025, with visitors flocking to Rebel Heart, Treaty and Creative Acts as well as World of the Book – all for free. 

The 21st edition of World of the Book will open on Saturday 4 July with more than 300 rare, sacred and iconic treasures from 2050 BCE to today – many of them on display for the first time.

With 5 days until World of the Book closes on Sunday 17 May to make way for its next edition, visitors are invited to explore the current exhibition of more than 300 remarkable collection items – from Homer to Hokusai and Margaret Atwood to medieval manuscripts. 

World of the Book is free and open daily in the iconic Dome Galleries at State Library Victoria until Sunday 17 May; the 21st edition of the exhibition will open on Saturday 4 July. Further information is available via the State Library Victoria website. 

Quote attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward 

‘This significant milestone really shows that Victorians love books, learning and stories. The Allan Labor Government is proud to back this free exhibition for all ages and for which the Library team are to be congratulated. It’s wonderful to see so many explore our diverse and exciting State Collection – and we can’t wait for the new edition to come to life in July.’ 

Quote attributable to State Library Victoria Acting CEO Alistair Mytton 

‘One million visitors in 12 months is a remarkable milestone for World of the Book. After more than 20 years, this iconic exhibition continues to resonate so deeply with Victorians and visitors of all ages because it brings the State Collection to life in a way that is both inspiring and accessible. State Library Victoria is proud to offer this experience free to everyone.’