Join these exclusive guided tours and experience State Library Victoria’s grand Dome and hidden spaces before the doors open to the public. Advance bookings essential.

Explore the State Library Victoria’s magnificent heritage spaces and catacombs hidden beneath the library floors, discover the treasure trove of original card catalogues, and uncover one of Melbourne’s most infamous relationships between Library founder Redmond Barry and the bushranger Ned Kelly.

Find a rare moment of quiet in the iconic Dome, soak in the architecture, and even take a seat where the ‘Shusher’ once reigned.

Access the Library’s iconic Dome before it opens to the public and even sit in the chair usually reserved for the ‘Chief Shusher’. Learn about the infamous bushranger, his notorious rivalry with the Library’s founder and how his armour ended up at the Library. Search through the Library’s old heritage card catalogue systems.

Your guide will share captivating stories that shaped the state of Victoria as you explore the history of the Library.