State Library Victoria Unlocked: A Guided Tour Before the Doors Open

Tour

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Join an exclusive morning guided tour and experience State Library Victoria's grand Dome and hidden spaces before the doors open to the public. Advance bookings essential.

Ever heard of the 'Chief Shusher'? Wonder what's buried beneath the Library's floors? Or gazed up at the library Dome before the crowds?

On this early access tour, you will explore the Library'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.

What's Available

3 features

Cultural and Theme Tours

Basic

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

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Other tours by State Library Victoria Tours

World of the Book Tour

World of the Book features more than 400 rare, remarkable and historically significant items from the State Collection, each with a unique story that highlights the cultural and emotional impact books have had across generations. From the artistry of book design and production to the evolution of illustration, this tour charts the history of books from c. 2000 BCE to today. On this tour, you can browse rare editions from beloved authors, including first editions of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Octavia Butler and more. Learn about the Australian international blockbuster that outsold Sherlock Holmes, and Melbourne's Sugar and Snails Press – one of the earliest publishers of non-sexist children's books. Get up close to one of the oldest printed texts in the world, the Hyakumantō Darani of Japan, as well as 17th- and 18th-century printed and manuscript amulets and talismans from Europe and Mongolia. Please meet your guide at Hansen Hall, located in the Swanston Street Welcome Zone.

Haunted Library Tour

Have you ever heard the Library tale of The Woman in White or how a pair of old boots were found in a wall? Perhaps stories of haunted collection items or why a 6 foot 6 inch python mysteriously disappeared. Guided by Library storytellers, step beyond the shelves and into the shadows as you uncover Library mysteries, unexplained encounters and intriguing collection items on an exclusive guided tour after hours. Whether you're a believer or a sceptic, join in for an unforgettable evening where history and mystery come together. Just remember, not every visitor leaves the Library after the doors are locked.

$39 per person

Price range

$39 per person

Where you'll be

328 Swanston Street

Melbourne Victoria 3000

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