What's on

Looking for something fun to do, with a cultural twist? Take a look at our events and exhibitions! We host all kinds of talks, workshops, films, guided tours and more, for audiences across all age groups, including families. Our events help you get to know our amazing collections and tell the story of Victoria's history. Many events – including our exhibitions – are free.

Featured events & exhibitions

Wednesday, 31 October 2018 - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Lexus Melbourne Cup tour

bookings required

Friday, 23 November 2018 - 6:00pm–7:00pm

Penny Ikinger and Ollie Olsen

Tuesday, 16 October 2018 - 11:00am–11:45am

Welcome to the Library tour

Bookings required

Monday, 22 October 2018 - 6:00pm–7:00pm

International Students Advisory Committee information session

Sunday, 21 October 2018 - 10:00am–6:00pm

The changing face of Victoria

All events & exhibitions

08 March 2018–24 November 2019

Self-made: zines and artist books

Discover the evolution of do-it-yourself publishing in this free exhibition of fanzines, punk zines, underground press publications and artist books designed to buck the commercial gallery system.

Cost: Free

touring exhibition

Daily

Cowen Gallery exhibition

The newly curated Cowen Gallery exhibition showcases works from the Library’s paintings collection, exploring regional and urban themes.

Cost: Free

08 October 2018–02 November 2018

Branching out

Gain the tools you need to discover more about your own family tree during this four-week online course.

Cost: Free

20 October 2018, 11:00am–11:45am

Welcome to the Library tour

Take a free guided tour exploring the Library’s many spaces and services.

Cost: Free

21 October 2018, 10:00am–6:00pm

The changing face of Victoria

The Dome Galleries will be closed during the week as part of the State Library redevelopment, please check dates in advance.

Cost: Free

21 October 2018, 10:00am–6:00pm

World of the book

The Dome Galleries will be closed during the week as part of the State Library redevelopment, please check dates in advance.

Cost: Free

21 October 2018, 11:30am–12:30pm

'World of the book' tour

Visit the magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the 'World of the book' exhibition on this free tour.

Cost: Free

21 October 2018, 2:00pm–3:00pm

'Changing face of Victoria' tour

Visit the La Trobe Reading Room and see highlights of the 'Changing face of Victoria' exhibition in this free guided tour.

Cost: Free

22 October 2018, 1:30pm

Dome to catacomb tour

Sneak a peek behind the scenes at the iconic State Library and roam the building from top to bottom in this tour.

Cost: Free

22 October 2018, 6:00pm–7:00pm

International Students Advisory Committee information session

Join us for an information evening on 22 October to learn about our International Students Advisory Committee.

Cost: Free

Bookings required

31 October 2018, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Lexus Melbourne Cup tour

See the Lexus Melbourne Cup displayed during its stopover at State Library Victoria

Cost: Free

21 November 2018, 6:00pm–7:00pm

Wednesday ritual – the origins of Inpress

Relive the glory days of Melbourne’s free music press scene at State Library Victoria

Cost: Free

bookings required

23 November 2018, 6:00pm–7:00pm

Penny Ikinger and Ollie Olsen

Ollie Olsen meets guitarist and sonic chanteuse Penny Ikinger under the State Library’s majestic dome

Cost: Free

bookings required

30 November 2018, 6:00pm–7:00pm

The Garret LIVE at the Library

Hannah Kent, Jamila Rizvi and Alice Pung

Cost: Free

bookings required