Arts Centre Melbourne’s heritage State Theatre closes its doors for major refurbishment

Art Centre Melbourne’s heritage State Theatre has now closed for a major refurbishment through the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, following final performances of The Australian Ballet’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The upgrades to the State Theatre will introduce new lifts, aisles in the stalls and circle, and accessible seating in the stalls for the first time. When the upgrades are complete, audiences will experience greater comfort, and benefit from technology upgrades in sound and lighting, bringing this cultural icon into the 21st century.

Resident companies The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia will relocate performances to the heritage Regent Theatre and other alternative venues while the State Theatre is closed. These companies will return to the State Theatre for their 2027 performance seasons.

“This refurbishment will ensure this world-class venue will remain true to the architectural and design legacy, while being accessible to everyone and meeting contemporary standards for presenters and audiences,” Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM said.

While the State Theatre is closed, visitors can continue to enjoy other Arts Centre Melbourne venues – including the Fairfax Studio and the Playhouse in the Theatres Building, Hamer Hall and Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

In further exciting news for the MAPT, the project teams celebrated another milestone at the construction site this month, with the installation of new piles now complete. The new piles are part of the foundations for Arts Centre Melbourne’s expanded loading dock, new function space and studio, as well as the new deck that will support the Urban Garden. Around 350 new piles have now been installed.

Visit the MAPT website to stay up-to-date with project news and updates. •

Captions: Arts Centre Melbourne State Theatre auditorium. Photo Mark Gambino. Render of refurbished State Theatre courtesy of NH Architecture.