State Library of Queensland

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In conversation with architect Timothy HillOver the past 20 years, State Library of Queensland has evolved from a traditional reference and research library into a vibrant cultural space that brings people together to learn, create, connect and share knowledge. The award-winning Millennium Library Project transformed the building and created generous and flexible public spaces that now welcome almost 2 million visitors each year. The most significant legacy of lead architect Timothy Hill’s design is the way it has enabled new relationships between the library and Queensland’s diverse communities. Over the past 2 decades, State Library’s programs and services have constantly evolved to broaden access and participation, including an Indigenous Knowledge Centre bringing First Nations cultures, knowledge and stories into the public realm, a welcoming space for children and families, and opportunities for collaboration, creativity and digital access. In 2025, Timothy Hill FRAIA was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects’ highest honour, the Gold Medal Prize, recognising his outstanding contribution to Australian architecture. Join Timothy and Vicki McDonald AM FALIA, former State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of State Library of Queensland and now Chief Executive Officer of State Library Victoria, in conversation with Hamilton Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Architects and Adjunct Professor at The University of Queensland’s School of Architecture, as they consider how placing social commitment and community benefit at the centre of the design process can help libraries and other cultural institutions create lasting public value. Image: Flat lay of architectural plans, drawings and items from the Millennium Library Project, 2026, photo by Leif Ekstrom.AccessibilityIf you require accessible seating options please call 3842 9827 or email creativeproduction@slq.qld.gov.auPhotography and videography noticeThis event will be photographed and filmed, and the resulting content may be shared online to promote State Library of Queensland and its partners.By attending, you consent to State Library capturing and using images or videos that may include you.If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, you are still very welcome to attend. Please contact our Events team in advance at creativeproduction@slq.qld.gov.au or inform a staff member upon arrival, and we will ensure your preferences are respected.Subscribe to be the first to know about our future events.Please consult our conditions of entry and Ticketing Terms and Conditions before making your booking. We respect your privacy. Personal information we collect is used only for our internal activities and functions (Libraries Act 1988 (Qld)) and will not be disclosed unless required by law. For more information, please read State Library's privacy statement. The views expressed by the speakers are their own and the promotion of products/services is not endorsed by State Library.

It's big, it's bright, and it's unmistakably Queensland. But how did a giant pineapple on the Sunshine Coast become one of the state's most beloved landmarks? Since opening in 1971, the Big Pineapple has welcomed generations of visitors, becoming a symbol of Queensland's booming tourism industry and our love affair with larger-than-life roadside attractions. But behind its towering fibreglass exterior lies a fascinating story of agricultural ambition, tourism, architecture and the people who helped put the pineapple on the map. Join our panel of experts as we explore the rise of the Big Pineapple, its place in Queensland's cultural identity and the enduring appeal of our 'Big Things'. From its heyday as a must-see tourist destination to its recognition as a heritage landmark, discover why this tropical icon continues to loom large in Queensland's imagination. Presented as part of our Big Things exhibition, this ticket provides you with a chance to attend an exclusive exhibition preview and curator's tour. Big Things officially opens Thursday 10 December. Curator's tour times are at 9:45 – 10:15 am or 11:40 am – 12:10 pm. If you'd like to attend a tour, select the session time as an 'add-on' to your ticket.

Do you ever look at a photo and wonder, "Why do your photos look so much better if we are taking them on the same phone?"The camera in your pocket is a powerful creative tool capable of producing stunning, professional-quality images.As State Library celebrates the 20th anniversary of award-winning building, this immersive walking workshop offers a practical and creative way to capture your urban environment around you and unlock the hidden potential of your smartphone. Using the library's striking internal spaces and the surrounding riverside Cultural Precinct as inspiration, you will learn how to move beyond simple point-and-shoot snaps to intentionally capture light, composition, and detail.In this workshop you will:Master the technical settings of your specific smartphone camera—including exposure, focus lock, and depth of field—applicable to both Apple and Samsung devices.Learn the fundamentals of composition, perspective, and leading lines to best capture the interplay between people, objects, and the built environment.Experiment with lens options and natural light to elevate your touristy site-seeing landscapes and close-up shots of objects.Understand editing principles to subtly enhance colour, saturation, and contrast right from your device without relying on external apps.Participate in a collaborative review session to share your favourite photographs and learn how to contribute to a shared community story on social media.Our creative workshops are an invitation to deepen your creative skills using the unique State Library collection and precinct as inspiration. The workshops are delivered by experienced local creatives and expert staff in an inclusive space.Special instructions for this workshop.Bring your own smartphone & make sure its charged for the session.Slip, slop, slap - we'll be heading outside into the Queensland November sun for part of the workshop so wear appropriate sunsafe attire.Wear comfortable clothes and footwear - we'll be walking around the library for a couple of hours.Wheelchairs welcome - we'll make sure the walking workshop is accessible people in wheelchairs.If you have any questions hesitate to email us appliedcreativity@slq.qld.gov.auPlease consult our conditions of entry and Ticketing Terms and Conditions.Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian.Please contact us if you need support to participate in this event.