The Idiomatics return to the Atheneum Library, this time joined by two very special guests.

Poet, novelist and non-fiction writer Maxine Beneba Clarke will be reading excerpts of her work over a lush electro-acoustic underscore provided by the band.

Alice Garner on cello will be bringing some sweet strings magic to the Idiomatics' uplifting, groove-drenched sound.

"There’s a special kind of intimacy here. A superbly focused and talented band ... with the unique combination of traditional and modern instruments (and musical styles) cradling each piece and giving it different shapes and textures.” - Stage Whispers, Adelaide June 2023

The performance will be held on Friday 20 June with doors opening at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm performance. This event is free for members and $20 for non-members. Bookings will open closer to the date, pay attention to the member enews for further information.

Ever wanted to understand the intricacies and mysteries of solving cryptic puzzles?

Here’s your chance – with an interactive session on Saturday May 31^st with writer, dictionary expert, crossword creator and radio host David Astle.

David will host a 75-minute session explaining the eight basic formulas of cryptic clues and helping participants solve a puzzle. There will be plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions.

The event will be held on Saturday 31 May at 3:00pm. This event is free for both members non-members. Bookings are essential and can be made through Trybooking using this link.

Ultrafox returns to the library for a concert of French-style jazz on May 9, featuring the guitars and vocals of Peter Baylor, Sam O’Halloran on guitar, Esther Henderson on violin, and Howard Cairns on double bass.

Ultrafox was formed by Peter Baylor more than 15 years ago and has built a growing reputation of one of the finest swing bands.

Hot swinging jazz, tender lyrical ballads, French melodies, gypsy waltzes and original compositions make up the band’s extensive repertoire.

The performance will be held on Friday 9 May with doors opening at 5:30pm for a 6:00pm performance. This event is free for members and $20 for non-members. Bookings can be made through Trybooking using this link.

Due to popular demand the Athenaeum is offering an encore session for our Heritage Festival talk.

Discover the story behind the opening of the Melbourne Athenaeum Art Gallery and its role as one of our city’s most significant art spaces at a free lecture on May 19 by Archives Manager Fiona Moore.

Established in 1839 as the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute, the Melbourne Athenaeum provided the city with its first library, museum and exhibition space. In 1910 its role as an arts hub was expanded with the opening of the Athenaeum Art Gallery.

The vision was to create a gallery in the central business district open to both established and emerging artists. The gallery operated for more than 60 years and exhibited the work of some of Australia’s most acclaimed artists.

Its history remains relatively unknown and this lecture will unveil the enduring artistic legacy of this significant art gallery.

The lecture is part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival.

The talk will be held on Monday 19 May at 11:00am. This event is free for members and non-members but bookings are required. They can be made through Trybooking using this link.