State Library of NSW

State Library of NSW

The State Library of NSW offers a rare opportunity to host events in one of Australia’s most historic cultural institutions. Its grand heritage spaces, paired with modern facilities, provide a unique setting that inspires and impresses.

AV1 partners with the Library to deliver sophisticated production that respects its history while equipping events with contemporary technology and creative design.

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Venue highlights

Historic heritage-listed spaces

Unique blend of tradition and modernity

Prime CBD location

Plays host to

Conferences and seminars
Award ceremonies
Gala dinners
Cultural and community events

Capacity

Rooms range up to 350+

Library Auditorium

A state-of-the-art 344-seat auditorium located below the Mitchell Library Reading Room.

The Library Auditorium is equipped to host high-end productions and performances, and vastly expands the diversity of events offered by the State Library.  

The venue includes two greenrooms and an adjoining catering and registration area, known as ‘the Glasshouse’.

Shakespeare Room

The Shakespeare Room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell building and commemorates the three hundredth anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare. Arthur G Benfield’s stained-glass window 'The Seven Ages of Man', depicts a scene from 'As You Like It'. The Shakespeare Room is ideal for small dinners and cocktail parties for up to 15 people.

The Library Bar

The Library Bar is located on the rooftop of the historic Mitchell Building, includes indoor and outdoor spaces, and features unique views across to the Harbour and city skyline.

The Library Bar is only available for private hire on Monday and Tuesday or before 2pm Wednesday – Saturday. The bar is not available for private hire after 2pm Wednesday - Saturday or any time on Sunday.

Dixon Room

The Dixon Room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell building and has views across the Domain and Woolloomooloo. A versatile and spacious room with high ceilings and prints from the Library’s collection adorning the walls, it is ideal for conferences, luncheons, talks and book launches.

The Dixson Room will temporarily be unavailable to hire until Autumn 2026.

Galleries and Public Spaces

The Library’s exhibition galleries and public spaces are available for hire outside of Library opening hours.

Located in the Library's historic Mitchell building are the Mitchell Vestibule, the Painting’s Galleries, Circulation Gallery, and Collectors Gallery.

Paintings Galleries

More than 300 original artworks from the Library’s unique collection of landscape and portrait paintings are on permanent public display.

Located on Level 1 of the Mitchell building are the Painting’s Galleries which are available for hire outside the Library's opening hours and require approval from the State Library of NSW.

Map Rooms – The Michael Crouch Room

A versatile room suitable for meetings, dinners, and receptions.

The Michael Crouch Room, one of our two Map Rooms, is located on level 1 of the historic Mitchell building and is devoted to charts and maps of early NSW and Sydney, with Flinders’ ‘Terra Australis’ taking centre stage.

The Glasshouse

A large, light filled atrium adjoining the Library Auditorium.

Featuring a geometric glass ceiling, the Glasshouse atrium is ideal for cocktail parties, exhibition booths, conference breaks and formal dining.  

The Glasshouse is included with the hire of the Library Auditorium.

Gallery Room

The Gallery Room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell building and adjoins the Friends Room. The room is charming and spacious with high ceilings and a decorative stained-glass window, it is ideal for conferences, luncheons, dinners and cocktail parties. The Gallery Room is often used in conjunction with the Friends Room for weddings, cocktails and dinner events.

Jean Garling Room

The Jean Garling Room is a charming room located on the ground floor of the historic Mitchell building and includes a fixed boardroom table for up to 20 guests.

The Jean Garling Room will temporarily be unavailable to hire until late 2025.

Friends Room

The Friends room is located on the ground floor of the historic Mitchell building, and is the original Mitchell Reading Room which opened to the public in 1910. The room features enameled steel and leadlight bookcases lining the walls and lounge seating included in the room, making it an ideal space for cocktail parties or dinner events.

The Friends Room is temporarily only available to hire outside of Library opening hours until late 2025.