Arts Centre Melbourne

The basics

Currently undergoing an A$1.7 billion refresh scheduled to complete in 2028, Arts Centre Melbourne’s major stages are the 2,000-seat State Theatre, the 884-seat Playhouse, the 376-seat Fairfax Theatre, the Hamer Hall concert venue, and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Other spaces include The Channel learning lab, a range of bars and eateries, and exhibitions, particularly the Australian Music Vault, dedicated to the heritage of Australian music.

The center is home to performing arts companies including the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company, and Opera Australia, while the venues host big names from Australia and beyond. A Yarra River cruise is a great way to appreciate the spire, while a few city tours also stop by the site.

Things to know before you go

• Arts Centre Melbourne is a must for fans of the arts and modern architecture.

• You can bring your own water bottle into all of the venues, but outside food is generally not allowed.

• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.

• Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before any performance to allow time to get seated (and perhaps enjoy a drink at the bar).

• Arts Centre Melbourne is accessible for travelers with disabilities. There are wheelchair-friendly bathrooms in all three buildings, wheelchair-accessible parking, and an assistive hearing system in all major venues.

How to get there

Arts Centre Melbourne sits on Southbank in the heart of the city, a 5-minute walk across Prince’s Bridge from Flinders Street Station. Drivers will find paid parking at the Arts Centre Melbourne car park on Sturt Street, a stone’s throw from the venue, while cyclists can enjoy bike lanes and storage hoops.

When to get there

There’s at least one performance every evening at Arts Centre Melbourne, but you don’t need to be seeing a show to visit: the building is open early morning until early evening Monday–Saturday, and operates slightly shorter opening hours on Sundays. The outdoor Sunday Market offers food, arts, and crafts on Sundays (10am–4pm); the Australian Music Vault exhibition is open 10am–5pm daily.

What to see in the Australian Music Vault

From Olivia Newton-John through to Kylie, from Nick Cave to INXS, Australia has punched above its weight on the global music scene. The Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall showcases that heritage in a free exhibition that includes memorabilia, interviews, and more—including an outfit worn by Kylie, notes by Nick Cave, and more.