The Arts Centre

A focal point of Melbourne’s Southbank entertainment precinct, the Arts Centre hosts many of Australia’s premier performing arts companies, as well as international touring performances. Crowned by an enormous spire that towers more than 160 metres above St Kilda Road, the Theatres Building (under the spire) houses the State Theatre as well as a number of smaller studio and gallery spaces, including the Playhouse and Fairfax Studio. The centre also includes Hamer Hall and Black Box, and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the nearby Kings Domain gardens.

Open daily for guided tours and gallery exhibitions, as well as for nightly performances, the Arts Centre also operates a restaurant and café. On Sundays, artisans and local producers sell their wares under market umbrellas that line the centre’s St Kilda Road frontage and wrap their way down onto the Southgate promenade.