Looking for a venue in the heart of Sydney?
Ranging from neo-classical splendour to the clean line simplicity of modern decor, the Library has venues to accommodate 12 to 500 guests. For exceptional food and service, call the Laissez-faire sales team. Available for:
- Seminars & Conferences
- Lectures & Presentations
- Corporate & Government Events
- Wedding Receptions
- Photo shoots
- or just about any event you can think of!
The State Library of New South Wales is ideally located in the heart of Sydney and looks over the spectacular Botanic Gardens on one side and Macquarie Street on the other. This beautiful heritage building is a great setting for most events and a perfect setting for wedding receptions. This historic location is ideal for a wide variety of uses and is complete with flexible event spaces, excellent catering and great food. The team at Laissez-faire are available to take your enquiry and show you around the facilities. Make your next event a great one at the State Library of New South Wales.
Select the venue that best suits your needs:
Metcalfe Auditorium
The 140-seat Metcalfe Auditorium provides an effective venue for a wide range of presentations, seminars, meetings, and lectures. Its modern decor, spot lighting, and seating facilitate comfort and concentration. The Auditorium has a fully equipped projection room, and catering can be provided in the nearby McDonald's Room.
Venue capacity: Theatre 140
The McDonald's Room
A modern triangular shaped room featuring a wall of glass, overlooking the courtyard between the old and new wings of the State Library. It's an ideal venue for seminars and workshops, or catering area for the Metcalfe Auditorium.
Venue capacity: Theatre - 60, U-shape - 25, Board - 30, Clusters - 30, Cocktail - 100, Dining - 40.
The Coles, Grace Bros and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Rooms
These three rooms provide a professional and supportive environment designed for seminars, workshops and training sessions. Well equipped with flexible furniture arrangements, these venue rooms are surrounded by a sunny rooftop garden, where you can take coffee breaks or hold small group discussions.
Venue capacity: Theatre - 50, U-shape - 22, Board - 24, Clusters - 25, Cocktail - 50, Dining - 30.
The Glasshouse
Spacious, bright and contemporary, The Glasshouse caters for breakfasts, dinners, presentations, cocktail parties and receptions.
Venue capacity: Cocktail - 150, Dining - 80.
Cafe Trim
Cafe Trim is a great place to sit, watch the passers-by and enjoy a coffee, cake or sandwich. Open seven days a week, Trim offers the chance to have a break in the middle of a hectic day.
The Shakespeare Room
Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the poet's death (1916), the room is richly embellished with Tudor motifs by woodcarver Charles Sherline, and featuring a plaster ceiling modelled on Cardinal Wolsey's closet at Hampton Court Palace, the Shakespeare Room is a time-refuge in the heart of a busy city. Ideal for small dinners, lunches and cocktail parties in the fine company of the Seven Ages of Man (As You Like It), depicted brilliantly in the stained glass windows.
Venue capacity: Board - 14, Cocktail - 20, Dining - 14.
Dixson and Mitchell Galleries
These five magnificent galleries, of unique significance to the cultural history of Australia, enhance any occasion with the rare qualities of simple splendour and warm hospitality. Ideal for dinners, cocktail parties, book launches, awards and presentations. Subject to exhibition viewings.
Venue capacity: Theatre - 140, Cocktail - 300, Dining - 120 - 190* (*subject to availability).
The Dixson Room
Located within the Mitchell Wing, the Dixson Room offers an elegant historic setting with views across the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Noteworthy historic works of art complement the atmosphere. A popular venue for weddings, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktail parties, promotions, and launches.
Venue capacity: Theatre - 150, U-shape - 35, Board - 40, Clusters - 48, Cocktail - 180, Dining - 100.
Why not have your wedding reception with us?
Elegant surroundings for your special day. Within the historic sandstone building of the State Library of New South Wales, there are several unique areas available for functions of various styles and sizes. Laissez-faire offers fresh, innovative food ideas with personalised attentive service. Centrally located to the city and Botanic Gardens, this is an ideal venue for the reception with a difference.
Venue capacity at a glance
| Function Room | Theatre | U-Shape | Board | Clusters | Cocktail | Dining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Metcalfe Auditorium |
140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
McDonalds Room |
60 |
25 |
30 |
30 |
100 |
40 |
|
Coles Room |
50 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
50 |
30 |
|
Target/Grace Bros Room |
15 |
10 |
12 |
|
20 |
12 |
|
Sumitomo Room |
15 |
12 |
15 |
|
25 |
15 |
|
Glasshouse Cafe |
|
|
|
|
150 |
80 |
|
Dixson Room |
150 |
35 |
40 |
48 |
180 |
100 |
|
Jean Garling Room |
50 |
|
24 |
40 |
60 |
40 |
|
Galleries |
140 |
|
|
|
300 |
120–190* |
|
Shakespeare Room |
|
|
14 |
|
20 |
14 |
* Subject to availability
For further information fill out our inquiry form or contact Venue Hire.
