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Venue hire
State Library of Queensland's beautiful contemporary design, gallery spaces and striking indoor and outdoor venues are perfect for creating special events and memorable meetings. State Library sets the scene for unique, versatile and state-of-the-art venues that can cater for a vast range of events for up to 300 guests.
With leading-edge audio visual systems, full in-house technical support and an experienced event team onsite, we provide the support to ensure your event is a success and, most importantly, one to remember.
Venues
Queensland Terrace
The Queensland Terrace is the epitome of elegance. This versatile function space features exquisite six-metre mirrored ceilings, Chillagoe marble floors and a remarkable collection of vintage tea cups. Taking advantage of Queensland’s climate, the unique open-air design brings the outside in, with views of the city and the surrounding flora while still providing protection against the elements. The Terrace can be styled to suit your personal taste and make your celebration truly memorable.
This architecturally celebrated venue offers a unique and remarkable setting for your event.
Total Floor Area: 318m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 300 cocktail | 130 banquet | 150 theatre or wedding ceremony
Function: cocktail receptions, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, presentations, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions
River Decks
Suspended over the banks of the Brisbane River, the stunning spotted gum timber decks offer a backdrop of uninterrupted city and river views, and an intimate venue for your event celebrations.
The larger, partially covered deck links to a smaller deck canopied by a sprawling poinciana tree, offering a magical space to celebrate any occasion.
Total Floor Area: main deck 76m2; boardwalk and small deck 91m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 80 cocktail | 50 banquet | 60 wedding ceremony
Capacity can be extended by utilising the entire deck space.
Function: cocktail parties, dinners, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions
Parlour Terrace
This special outdoor space offers a backdrop of panoramic city and river views, giving your event that ‘wow’ factor that guests will be sure to enjoy. The evening scene is particularly stunning as you watch Brisbane transform from day to night, with the city lights on full display and views to both the Kurilpa and Victoria bridges.
Total Floor Area: 110m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 100 cocktail | 50 banquet | 60 wedding ceremony
Function: cocktail parties, dinners, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions
Poinciana Lounge
Nestled amongst State Library’s collections, the Poinciana Lounge is an elegant space for your cocktail reception, dinner or wedding reception with outstanding views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. Featuring soaring ceilings, windows spanning two floors, and a grand piano, the Poinciana Lounge offers a timeless venue for your celebration.
This venue is only available for bookings outside of library hours.
Total Floor Area: 137m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 150 cocktail |100 banquet
Function: cocktail receptions, dinners, wedding receptions
Red Box
The captivating Red Box is a particularly unique venue. The space is encased in floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the impression of being suspended over the Brisbane River. Providing an absolutely stunning location set against the dramatic city skyline at night, the Red Box is a hidden treasure and the perfect space for intimate, high-impact events.
Tiered wooden seating leads down to the Red Box, ideal for guest seating at your ceremony, presentation or performance.
Total Floor Area: 50m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 60 cocktail | 48 banquet | 40 wedding ceremony or performance
Function: cocktail parties, breakfasts, dinners, wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, small live performances
John Oxley Library Reading Room
The John Oxley Library Reading Room contains unique Queensland resources and collections along with our Business Leaders Hall of Fame. Commanding views across the Brisbane River to the city, this lovely space is furnished with Tasmanian oak tables, reading lamps and an elegant lounge, and the reading room provides a stunning and traditional library atmosphere to add that extra level of sophistication to your event.
This venue is only available for bookings outside of library hours.
Capacity: 150 cocktail | 120 banquet | view floorplan >
Function: cocktail receptions, dinners
Knowledge Walk
The heart of the State Library, the Knowledge Walk is our 5-story atrium showcasing the award‑winning architectural design of the building, including the floating balcony.
Using the design of the space with creative lighting and projection will bring this very special venue to life for your event.
Total Floor Area: 604m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 350 cocktail | 250 banquet
Function: cocktail receptions, dinners, award events
Maiwar Green
Nestled between the State Library and the Gallery of Modern Art, Maiwar Green is a delightful lawned area overlooking the Brisbane River and the city. The lower section of this space has an undulating amphitheatre down to the river, which provides a stunning performance and presentation space. The upper section is a level grassed area that allows your event to harmonise with the natural beauty of the venue.
Capacity: 500 cocktail | 350 banquet | view floorplan >
Function: corporate cocktail receptions and dinners, movie screenings, picnics and special events
* Please note that Maiwar Green events are subject to application approval and that the venue is not available for wedding hire.
River Plaza
The River Plaza is our Edge rooftop space between State Library and the Queensland Art Gallery forecourt. This area has spectacular views of the Brisbane River and city and features the Anthony Pryor sculpture Approaching Equilibrium, which is sure to wow your guests. This space is perfect for your next outdoor presentation or special event.
* Please note that River Plaza events are subject to application approval and that the venue is not available for wedding hire.
Total Floor Area: 357m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 300 cocktail | 200 banquet | 200 theatre
Function: cocktail receptions, dinners, open air cinema and special events
Talking Circle
The Talking Circle forms part of kuril dhagun, which is State Library's Indigenous Knowledge Centre and with State Library being situated on Kurilpa Point, this space has a significant cultural history.
The area consists of a large outdoor zone with foliage, timber deck and sandstone paving complemented by city and river views. The venue also features an oval fire-pit, which can be used for presentations or storytelling.
The Talking Circle does not permit alcohol within the venue.
Area: 100m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 100 standing | 40 fire circle
Function: events, presentations, storytelling and other special events
River Lounge and Edge Foyer
Extending along the length of The Edge building, with floor-to-ceiling windows, The River Lounge and Foyer is ideal for your next networking function or launch event.
This unique option can only be booked outside of opening hours or in conjunction with another venue hire; for example, as a registration area for a function in the Edge Auditorium. Please ask about how this space could work for your next event.
Area: 225m2 | view floorplan >
Capacity: 250 cocktail
Functions: cocktail receptions, event catering, trade displays
Venue capacities and specifications at a glance
| Space | Floor Area | Cocktail | Banquet | Theatre | Classroom | U-shape | Workshop | Boardroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland Terrace |
318m2 |
300 | 130 | 150 | ||||
| River Decks | 76m2 | 80 | 50 | |||||
| Parlour Terrace | 110m2 | 100 | 50 | 60 | ||||
| Red Box | 50m2 | 60 | 48 | 40 | ||||
| kuril dhagun | 148m2 | 100 | 60 | 80 | ||||
| Poinciana Lounge | 137m2 | 150 | 100 | |||||
| River Plaza | 357m2 | 300 | 200 | 200 | ||||
| River Lounge | 225m2 | 200 | ||||||
| Talking Circle | 100m2 | 100 | 40 | |||||
| The Platform | 36m2 | 30 |
| Space | Floor area | Cocktail | Banquet | Theatre | Classroom | U-shape | Workshop | Boardroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium 1 | 350m2 | 264 | ||||||
| Auditorium 2 | 109m2 | 108 | ||||||
| The Edge Auditorium | 300m2 | 250 | 160 | 300 | 126 | 40 | 110 | 40 |
| Space | Floor Area | Cocktail | Banquet | Theatre | Classroom | U-shape | Workshop | Boardroom |
| Meeting Room 1A | 37m2 | 25 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 14 | ||
| Meeting Room 1B | 74m2 | 70 | 24 | 20 | 45 | 28 | ||
| slq Boardroom and Deck | 91m2 (Deck 40m2) | 24 | 24 | 24 | ||||
| Heritage Collections Learning Room | 70m2 | 50 | 50 | 24 | 25 | 36 | 20 | |
| White Gloves Room | 98m2 | 50 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 20 |
Weddings
Start the next chapter of your life together at the home of Queensland’s greatest stories. Choose one of State Library of Queensland’s exquisite venues to tell your love story and celebrate your special day.
Set in the cultural heart of Brisbane in South Bank with breathtaking views of the city skyline and river, State Library offers a uniquely Queensland atmosphere that seamlessly brings the outdoors in. Our award-winning building houses a rich history that has inspired the lives of Queenslanders for close to 120 years. Let our story become a part of yours to make your wedding day unforgettable.
