What is Arts Centre Melbourne?
Arts Centre Melbourne is Australia's largest performing arts centre, on St Kilda Road beside the Yarra River. Its tall, lattice-like spire is one of Melbourne's best-known landmarks.
The centre was designed by architect Roy Grounds, who also designed the nearby National Gallery of Victoria building. It opened in stages from 1973 to 1984, with theatres, concert halls and exhibition spaces.
The Theatres Building, under the spire, includes the State Theatre, the Playhouse and the Fairfax Studio. Nearby, Hamer Hall is a major concert venue and home of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
The spire
The original spire was replaced in 1996 with a new, taller structure about 162 metres high, inspired by a ballerina's tutu and the Eiffel Tower. It lights up at night in changing colours.
The centre hosts opera, ballet, theatre, musicals and concerts, including performances by Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet.
It is part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, which is being redeveloped to add new galleries and public spaces, including a new contemporary art gallery and a large garden.
Did You Know?
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, an outdoor venue in the nearby Kings Domain, is also managed by Arts Centre Melbourne.