Melbourne Princess Theatre
163 Spring St., Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is considered one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Established in 1854 and rebuilt in 1886, the interior was refurbished in the 1980s but still retains many of its traditional flourishes, including red velvet curtains and crystal chandeliers. It hosts musical theater and other live performances and can seat up to 1,500 patrons.
The basics
The Princess Theatre is the place to see some of the world’s most renowned theatrical productions in Melbourne. The grand building is listed by the National Trust of Australia, and was built in the Second Empire style popular during Melbourne’s boom period of the 1880s. Most visitors now come to see a show—for which you’ll need to buy tickets in advance—or pass it on a walking tour of the city. You can also add the Princess Theatre to a self-guided walking tour, to admire the architecture.
Things to know before you go
The Princess Theatre is partially accessible to wheelchair users: there’s a ramp put in the doorway two hours before shows start, and wheelchair users can sit in the stalls. You’ll need to make accessibility bookings separate from other box office bookings.
Seats in the Grand Circle are not recommended for elderly visitors, or anyone suffering from vertigo.
Most shows in the theater aren’t suitable for kids under the age of 2, but if you’ve got babies or toddlers in tow, you’re asked to speak with the front-of-house staff on arrival.
There’s a cloakroom for stowing small bags and jackets.
You can buy drinks and snacks at the theater, but you can’t bring them in from outside.
How to get there
The Princess Theatre is located in central Melbourne, across the road from Victorian Parliament House, and is easily accessible by tram or train. The nearest train station is Parliament. If you’re self driving, parking is available at nearby Wilson Parking car parks.
When to get there
The Princess Theatre is open to ticket-holders during shows. The box office is open for ticket booking during regular working hours, Monday to Friday (or you can buy tickets online). If you just want to admire the building from outside and aren’t attending a show, pass by after dark to enjoy the sight of the theater lit up at night.
Other beautiful Melbourne theaters
The Princess Theatre isn’t the only beautiful, historical events venue in Melbourne: you should also check out the Regent Theatre and the Forum Theatre, both built in 1929. The Regent, like the Princess Theatre, puts on big theatrical shows, while the Forum mostly hosts live music events. Both centrally located buildings are worth walking past, even if you’re not catching a show.
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