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Queen's Hall on Display

15 July 2009

One of Melbourne's grandest 19th century interiors, Queen's Hall at the State Library of Victoria, will be open to the public on Sunday 19 July as part of the Melbourne Open House program.

The beautiful barrel-vaulted hall first opened in 1856 and was the Library's main reading room for over 50 years. It has functioned as a museum space and the Arts, Music and Performing Arts Library, and is now closed and awaiting refurbishment.

A huge mural by Harold Septimus Power honouring Australia's World War I soldiers features above the room's entrance.

Visitors can wander through the majestic Queen's Hall for free between 10am and 5pm on Sunday. The space can be accessed by following a marble staircase from the Library's main entrance.

The State Library of Victoria invites visitors to also explore its spectacular domed La Trobe Reading Room and Cowen Gallery on the day.

Queen's Hall is one of 32 spaces on display for Melbourne Open House, a program that allows visitors to explore the city's often hidden wealth of architectural and historic treasures.