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Photography tour
Join us for a self-guided photography tour of interesting spaces throughout State Library of Queensland.
Calling all amateur and professional photographers! Express your creativity while journeying through the hidden nooks and crannies of State Library.
This self-guided tour will take you across all 5 levels of Sate Library showing you some of the most interesting and photographable spaces. Scan the QR code at the Welcome Desk on Level 1 for details of how to find your first ‘Photo Op’.
The Edge
Window bay
Open from 12 pm. Enjoy stunning river views from State Library’s hub of creativity and innovation. How many bridges can you photograph? Window Bays are available to book for free with a State Library membership.
Photo tip: Come back after dark to see the cityscape light up.
Level 1
Exterior billboard
View State Library from Stanley Place. Marvel at the trademark blades and stay up to date with State Library’s latest offerings as seen on the billboard.
Photo tip: This exterior view is a visitors first impression of State Library.
Paradigm Maquette
Tucked into one of State Library’s many green spaces, this work by acclaimed American sculptor is a sectional model of Paradigm, created for World Expo 88 (maquette means ‘scale model’ in French). Inspired by the double helix DNA structure, the original Paradigm was 30 metres high and located outside the USA pavilion.
Photo tip: Climb up into the garden to see the Paradigm Maquette among the trees.
Knowledge Walk
The Knowledge Walk is the heart of State Library, showcasing the award-winning architectural design of the building, including the floating balcony. This 5-story atrium fills State Library with natural light and its design encourages airflow throughout.
Photo tip: A great spot to view The Edge.
kuril dhagun
kuril dhagun is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Centres network throughout Queensland and was the first of its kind. kuril dhagun helps to create connections between State Library and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Queensland.
Explore its nooks and crannies, perfect for learning and gathering. Enjoy stunning river views draped in greenery.
Photo tip: Discover art installations MAIWAR Yunggulba by Megan Cope, Dolly, Birds on a Wire and Coolamon by Laurie Nilsen, and Kurilpa Country by Lilla Watson.
Talking Circle
An outdoor seating area surrounding a fire pit that overlooks the Brisbane River, the Talking Circle is a community space for gathering, sharing, and yarning around the fire, long standing parts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. This hub for culture and learning is also home to much native wildlife, including possums and water dragons.
Photo tip: Look up along the side of the building to find the sprawling native Queensland vine Faradaya Spledida.
River Decks
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and Brisbane River under the shade of an impressive Poinciana tree, thought to be the oldest Poinciana on Queensland public land.
Which other parts of State Library can you photograph from here?
Photo tip: A great viewing spot for native wildlife.
Level 2
Queensland Terrace
Queensland Terrace is a leading event space that overlooks the cultural precinct.
What can you create with the exquisite six-meter mirrored ceilings and the collection of vintage teacups? Featuring Tea & Me, an eclectic collection of teacups with remarkable backstories donated by members of the public from all walks of life.
Photo tip: Don’t forget to look up!
Red Box
Floor-to-ceiling windows give the impression of being suspended over the Brisbane River. Explore different vantage points across the tiered bench seating and use the unique colour palette to your advantage while photographing this hidden treasure.
Photo tip: journey down to the Southbank Boardwalk to see this striking room from the outside.
Poinciana Lounge
Nestled amongst the collections, the Poinciana Lounge is an impressive study space featuring high ceilings and a resident grand piano. This space offers a more traditional library atmosphere while still showcasing State Library’s iconic river views.
Photo tip: Check out the Poinciana Lounge from its balcony on level 3.
Level 3
Reference Collection
What can you make with our Brisbane Open House themed collection display? These items and more are available to borrow for free with a State Library membership.
Photo tip: Try your hand at taking a ‘shelfie’ with items from State Library’s collection.
The Platform
An indoor-outdoor collaborative space with views into State Library’s atrium and across the cultural centre. What can you see from The Platform?
Photo tip: Try taking photos facing in different directions; which State Library landmarks can you find?
Level 4
Fiona Foley Art Wall
Don’t forget to look up! This space features a striking suspended sculpture and seven themed reading rooms.
Black Opium is a sculptural installation featuring 777 suspended aluminium poppy heads in response to the devastating effect of The Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld) on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Black Opium was commissioned in 2006 as part of State Library’s redevelopment and includes seven themed reading rooms. Created by Dr Fiona Foley, the installations convey how the Act paved the way for the Queensland government to forcibly remove Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their lands and take them to isolated missions such as Palm Island and Yarrabah.
Photo tip: Look inside all 7 rooms and be inspired by their individual design.
Level 5
Atrium
The Atrium provides natural light and airflow across all levels of State Library. See State Library from its highest point and use the natural light to your advantage.
Photo tip: Don’t forget to walk around Level 5 to view the atrium and skylight from all sides.
