Dome to Catacombs Tour

Join us on a guided tour at 10:30am or 1:30pm on select days each week. Advance booking is essential. For the latest session details and to secure your spot, please visit our Eventbrite listings below.

Take an unforgettable journey through the architectural marvels of Australia’s oldest public library on this exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour.

Established in 1854 and spanning an entire city block, State Library Victoria holds many hidden spaces and stories. On this tour, you’ll start at the top of the magnificent Dome in the La Trobe Reading Room and descend to the hidden “catacombs” below the Library.

Highlights of the tour:

• Pendulum Staircase: See this architectural feature that is normally off-limits to the public.
• Card Catalogue Room: Get a glimpse of the Library’s historic card cataloging systems.
• The Elephant Lift: Visit the unique lift used to transport stuffed elephants when the building served as Melbourne Museum. 

Meeting Point: Please meet your guide at Hansen Hall, located in the Swanston Street Welcome Zone. 

For large groups

Bookings can be made for up to 10 people (subject to availability). If your plans change and you’re unable to attend, please remember to cancel your tickets via Eventbrite, or contact us directly at [email protected] to free up space for other visitors.

Private tours

Currently, we are not offering private tours. We invite groups to book any available time slot listed on Eventbrite.

Need to cancel?

If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please let us know by emailing [email protected] so we can make your spot available to others.