Melbourne is home to the Victoria State Library. More than just a dusty collection of books, this huge ‘Cathedral of Culture’, has since 1856 been the centre of excellence for the region.

Nowadays it functions as a library, museum and an art gallery. Architecturally mind-blowing, the exterior is of Victorian grand design. But this is literally a façade for what is inside – the magnificent Domed Reading Room. This Oculus Shaped room was the largest of its type on completion in the world and encompasses 6 floors.

Other rooms include the museum – spread over multiple floors it contains various exhibits including a section devoted to Ned Kelly – a famous bushranger who was Australia’s equivalent to Robin Hood. Exhibits here include his death-mask and his original armour.

There was also a room entirely dedicated to Chess. Books on strategy, openings and plenty of boards set up for people to play.

This is an amazing library that I cannot recommend enough! Also unlike a regular museum, you can touch the exhibits.

Reading! It’s fantastic!