Arts Centre Melbourne
A Reimagining
2018–
Introduction
In 2018, as a progression of our work on the Masterplan design for the Melbourne Arts Precinct, we were deeply honored to be designated as the winners of this highly prestigious project alongside our good friends at NH Architecture. Cultural projects have been at the core of Snøhetta’s practice since our foundation.
Following the logic of several other Snøhetta projects, such as the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet or even the Times Square renewal in New York, Snøhettas involvement in the early stage sof this project was heavily design-led and driven. We aimed to work with NH Architecture to create a design that is more open to the public and encourages public engagement. The design team also explored opportunities to introduce and showcase bespoke and locally crafted art and furniture – a nod both to the original designer’s vision, but also to Snøhetta’s transdisciplinary approach to architecture and design.
Technical details
Arts Centre Melbourne and Creative Victoria Development Victoria, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Lendlease
Photo: Mark Gambino
This project is an ambitious transformation of one of Melbourne’s most significant and much loved cultural landmarks, the Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building. It includes vital improvements to the three venues and supporting spaces for all visitors, as well as performers and staff. The existing semi-subterranean concrete building will be opened up to create a more welcoming and inclusive facility.
Arts Centre Melbourne is proudly people-focused, with a core mission to “Create, Connect and Enrich” all Victorians. Central to the Reimagining project is the need to express a sense of openness and connectivity currently lacking from the existing building. The building is to be a continuation of the theatrical experience, a place of wonder and delight, a great place to work and a memorable place to visit.
Intuitive movement and flow
Beneath the Spire, the Theatres Building contains the renowned 2000-seat State Theatre, the 840- seat Playhouse and 370-seat Fairfax Studio. Nestled amongst these theatres are a multitude of function rooms, meeting spaces, public foyers, food and beverage offers, administration, back of house and technical spaces. Key focus areas of improvement are: revitalisation of over-utilized and condensed spaces, providing clarity of movement and intuitive wayfinding, improved amenity and access to meet world class standards and bringing the building up to current day compliance codes.
All three of the performance venues have been rethought to optimise visitor experience and to increase inclusivity through DDA considerations.
Photo: Mark Gambino
Photo: Mark Gambino
Photo: Mark Gambino
A tribute to the past and future
Arts Center Melbourne was originally designed by architect Sir Roy Grounds, and construction began in 1973. Due to a forced redesign of the building in the late 70’s, theatre designer John Truscott redesigned the interiors of the complex Concert Hall and Theatre Building before the latter opened in 1984.
An important part of the project is to reimagine the building while also safeguarding and respecting the existing qualities of the theatre building as they were imagined by Roy Grounds and later John Truscott. The building will be a tribute to the past and the future of Melbourne and will ensure Arts Center Melbourne remains a landmark of the Melbourne Arts Precinct and the Australian cultural scene.
Photo: Mark Gambino
The redeveloped precinct will enhance and complement Melbourne’s natural features and renowned civic attractions, further strengthening and defining the character, quality and reputation of Melbourne. The unique heritage of the building will be celebrated and respected to achieve a newly unified arts experience for all.
The overall Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation will deliver The Fox: NGV Contemporary – the largest gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design in Australia, significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, and a new 18,000 square metre urban garden for people to enjoy.
Arts Centre Melbourne is located in Naarm, Melbourne, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. We also acknowledge the neighbouring Kulin Nation groups, the Boonwurrung and Bunurong people, and pay our respects to elders, past and present.