Culture Up Late at State Library of NSW 2021

Explore the State Library of NSW - Australia's oldest library - during Culture Up Late with extended evening opening hours from 5pm-8pm every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 6 January until the end of March.

With its iconic Mitchell Library Reading Room, beautiful heritage spaces and world-class galleries, you'll be surprised by what you discover there! 

Step inside the Library's historic Mitchell Building vestibule and you'll see an extraordinary piece of public floor art - a massive marble version of the original Tasman Map from 1644. Just around the corner is the Collectors' Gallery, a wondrous cabinet of some 2,000 curiosities from the Library's collection, including Patrick White's typewriter, Miles Franklin's waratah teacup and Henry Lawson's death mask.

Head upstairs to check out - from 16 January - the popular Photos1414 exhibition featuring the best published and unpublished images by Sydney Morning Herald photographers. This year the exhibition looks back over its 10-year history to see what made the news then and now. Free, on show until 25 April.

The new exhibition Coming out in the 70s looks at the hard-fought activism, personal sacrifices and community movements that paved the way for gay pride as we know it today. Free, until 16 May.

Visit Eight Days in Kamay and explore James Cook and the Endeavour's short stay in Kamay (Botany Bay) with new knowledge shared by the local Gweagal people. Free, until 28 February. 

Over 300 unique landscape and portrait paintings are on permanent public display, including works by internationally renowned artists like Conrad Martens, Arthur Streeton and Judy Cassab. 

For talks and public programs, check out the Library's what's on guide.

All visitors are encouraged to read the Library's Special Conditions of Entry.