The Greek architect who gave a new life to State Library of Victoria's Queen's Hall

Arthur Andronas, director, architect and heritage consultant Source: SBS Greek

SBS Greek

View Podcast Series

Get the SBS Audio app

Other ways to listen

SBS Greek visited the refurbished Queen's Hall of the State Library of Victoria. Greek Australian architect Arthur Andronas was our guide and the architect responsible for the "rebirth" of the Hall.

The Queen’s Hall at State Library has been closed to the public for nearly 20 years. It opened on Queen Victoria’s birthday in 1859 – hence the name.

Queen's Hall (2019) Source: SBS Greek

It started as a reading room. A space for the working men and women of Melbourne to read a newspaper or a book with light pouring in from the ceiling skylights.

It became part of the Museum of Victoria in the late 1890s, hosting exhibitions and art from right around the world until the NGV opened in the 1960s.

Queen's Hall (2019) Source: SBS Greek

In the 70s and 80s, it served as the Arts Library – where generations of Victorians came to borrow sheet music, play on the Library’s pianos, and listen to the latest records.

And then, in 2003 it closed down falling into a state of disrepair.