It's a glorious and inspirational space, but I have to admit that when I work in the SLV, for preference I tend to use the Redmond Barry Reading Room instead, as I prefer the more subdued lighting level.
https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/visit/our-magnificent-spaces/redmond-barry-reading-room
It's not spectacular, but I had fond memories of that room from visits as a kid, when the building was still the National Museum, and that room was a natural history gallery,.
I used to write in the La Trobe room when the dome was still covered in copper, and had a similar subdued lighting vibe as the Redmond Barry.
Switched when La Trobe was unavailable during restoration, and just never went back, but I do pop in to look at the dome as it's just such an amazing space. 🤩
amyfallon
Ian Malcolm