MELBOURNE CBD
A date among the pages
Browse World of the Book at State Library Victoria, exploring book design, production and illustration through more than 300 collection items.
Why this one.
Ancient writing, Japanese printing and colour theory make this a rewarding free date for readers and anyone drawn to visual design. There’s plenty to notice together as you browse at your own pace.
A little plan
- YOUR FIRST STOP · ABOUT 60 MINUTES
State Library Victoria — World of the Book
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
World of the Book traces book design, production and illustration through more than 300 collection items in the Level 4 Dome Galleries. Displays range from ancient writing and Japanese printing to colour theory.
Cost for two: $0. Exhibition admission is free for two adults. Food, drinks, shopping and travel.
Visit the official site ↗
ANOTHER WAY TO GO
NGV International — free collection
If the first venue is unavailable, choose this indoor alternative before setting out.
Browse international art and design in the free collection. Street-level entrances have automatic doors, with lifts to each floor and wheelchair access throughout the galleries.
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Choose this instead before setting out, and arrange travel directly there.
Allowance: $0 for two. Collection admission is free for two adults. Paid exhibitions, food, drinks, shopping and travel.
Official details ↗The little details & sources
Published information, with an original plan curated by Astra. Timings are suggested allowances. Choose a date below to check the current hours and practical fit.
Before you go
- Use the Swanston Street entrance; the La Trobe Street entrance and Dome Levels 5 and 6 are currently closed.
- Step-free access to the Level 4 exhibition is not confirmed by the supplied information. Check with the Library if needed.
- If the Library is unavailable, choose NGV International’s collection before leaving as a separate art date, not an additional stop. Paid exhibitions are outside that alternative.
- Walk-in admission at either venue does not guarantee capacity.
At State Library Victoria — World of the Book
- Step-free access to the Level 4 exhibition is unconfirmed; check with the Library if needed.
- Levels 5 and 6 of the Dome and the La Trobe Street entrance are currently closed. Use the Swanston Street entrance.
- Last-entry time is unconfirmed.
- Walk-in entry is subject to capacity.
At NGV International — free collection
- Walk-in entry is subject to capacity.
- Last-entry time is unconfirmed.
Open the original references (7)
- Plan Your Visit | NGV ↗ Checked 16 Sept 2026
- Access | NGV ↗ Checked 16 Sept 2026
- World of the Book | State Library Victoria ↗ Checked 17 Sept 2026
- Getting here ↗ Checked 17 Sept 2026
- Opening hours ↗ Checked 17 Sept 2026
- Victorian public holidays 2026 ↗ Checked 17 Sept 2026
- Victorian public holidays 2027 ↗ Checked 17 Sept 2026