New immersive bar to open inside Australian Music Vault

A new bar will open inside the Australian Music Vault at Arts Centre Melbourne this October, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a drink surrounded by memorabilia and stories from Australia’s music history.

Opening on October 1, the bar will operate from 4pm until late, as well as during matinee performances, serving beer, wine, ready-to-serve cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of snacks.

Located within the free permanent exhibition at Arts Centre Melbourne, the new venue is being pitched as a pre- and post-show destination for theatre-goers, music fans and visitors to the surrounding arts precinct.

Arts Centre Melbourne executive director, destination and audience Kim Berkers said the bar would add another dimension to the Australian Music Vault ahead of its 10th anniversary in 2027.

“Since its opening millions of visitors have relished diving into the myriad stories and riches of Australia’s contemporary music industry,” Ms Berkers said.

“Arts Centre Melbourne is thrilled to be introducing a bar to the Vault, adding yet another reason to visit this must-see Melbourne destination and spend more time engaging with the artists and moments that have shaped Australian contemporary music.”

The Australian Music Vault opened in 2017 with founding patrons including Molly Meldrum, Kylie Minogue, Tina Arena, Archie Roach and Michael Gudinski.

Its changing displays celebrate artists and figures from across the Australian music industry, with current exhibitions featuring the likes of AC/DC, John Farnham, INXS, Marcia Hines, Split Enz, Yothu Yindi, Sampa The Great, Tash Sultana and Amyl and the Sniffers.

The launch will coincide with a new menu at neighbouring restaurant The Barre and comes just days before performances return to the refurbished Ian Potter State Theatre, which reopens as part of a major Arts Centre Melbourne program from October 3.