Melbourne Recital Centre to expand with new rooftop performance venue

The Melbourne Recital Centre has received $2 million to construct a “transformative” new public arts space on its rooftop, with breathtaking views of the expanding Melbourne Arts Precinct.

The announcement of the new venue comes amid the current $109 million Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project, adding yet another contemporary space to the area and marking an additional stage in the life of the 15-year-old music institution.

Announced in March, “The Beacon” – a new Melbourne Recital Centre destination – has been made possible thanks to a $1 million donation from private donors Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin, which was matched by the Victorian Government.

To be named “The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon” in recognition of the two long-term supporters, the flexible venue space will utilise the centre’s rooftop area to allow for even more high-quality performances, events and functions.

Melbourne Recital Centre’s CEO Sandra Willis expressed the centre’s gratitude to the state government and the McMullins for their generous support.

“The Beacon will be a real destination within what is already an incredibly vibrant place to visit,” Ms Willis said.

“This extraordinary investment will allow us to significantly enhance Melbourne Recital Centre’s patron experience, engagement with the community, reach new audiences and contribute to the growing wider impact of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.”

Philanthropists Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin have previously donated to other major cultural projects in the city, such as the Science Gallery at The University of Melbourne and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Mr McMullin said they were proud to support a project which would be “integral to strengthening Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene”.

“The role of philanthropy at times can be overlooked, however public and private partnerships are crucial to make magic happen. We are delighted to contribute to Melbourne Recital Centre’s future evolution through The Beacon project,” Mr McMullin said.

Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP said the project would provide another drawcard to Melbourne’s Arts Precinct.

“In the last 15 years, Melbourne Recital Centre has built a global reputation as one of the best places in the world to experience music. This project would not be possible without the incredible generosity of Peter and Ruth McMullin, and we are proud to partner with them to bring The Beacon to life,” Minister Brooks said.

This space will add a new dimension to Melbourne Recital Centre’s program, creating a new hub for music lovers, a new view of Melbourne, and a dynamic place to showcase Victoria’s incredible creative talent.

The Beacon will join the award-winning Melbourne Recital Centre’s two acoustically renowned performance spaces, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and Primrose Potter Salon, to continue championing the best local and international artists and ensembles.

Construction of The Beacon is set to begin in 2025, with opening currently scheduled for 2026. •