The capital of Victoria is a hive of activity; it is the business and administrative center of the state as well as its cultural and recreational hub. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, which is why tourists are drawn to the city. Serviced apartments in Melbourne are convenient for families as much business travellers looking for a long stay option. The central business district is compact and home to a host of charming old buildings including the State Library of Victoria. There is also a modern tone set by contemporary architectural creations like Oaks On William, overlooking the manicured lawns of Flagstaff Gardens.
The State Library of Victoria at 328 Swanston Street is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It was established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library. The library is the oldest public library in Australia and one of the very first free public libraries in the world. Its founders were a few distinguished Melbourne citizens including Sir Redmond Barry and Lieutenant-Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe. Their vision was promote progress and development among Victorians through learning. The nineteenth century building has a grand interior. The La Trobe Reading Room is outfitted with a magnificent domed ceiling, a valuable piece of Melbourne’s architectural heritage.
The library houses over two million books, thousands of historic articles like pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts as well as digital material containing Victoria’s history. The museum adds more than seventy thousand items to its collection each year. The Changing Face of Victoria is a free permanent exhibit that tells the stories of important people, places and events that have made Victoria what it is today. Armour belonging to Ned Kelly is displayed there. The Keith Murdoch Gallery, Cowen Gallery and Dome Galleries are free galleries that display spectacular works of art.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
