Arts Centre Melbourne’s much-loved Theatres Building and its iconic Spire will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 29 October 2024.
Throughout October, Arts Centre Melbourne will mark the occasion with the release of a new documentary series Building An Icon presented by Tim Ross, architecture and design tours, a unique furniture installation inspired by architect Sir Roy Grounds and an Australian Performing Arts Collection display.
The bold and beautiful Theatres Building and Spire, home of the much-loved State Theatre, Playhouse and Fairfax Studio, was the vision of pioneering mid-century architect Sir Roy Grounds, while Oscar-winning designer John Truscott masterminded Arts Centre Melbourne’s lush interiors.
The official opening on 29 October 1984 was a glittering party for the ages – the culmination of decades of planning, advocacy and construction.
Forty years later the beloved cultural landmark is undergoing its first major upgrades with the refurbishment of its glorious heritage elements and improvements to accessibility to ensure the Theatres Building can continue to welcome all Victorians.
“Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building and Spire is the glowing centrepiece of Melbourne’s arts precinct, and we are proud to honour its legacy as a site for world-class performance and artistry,” said Arts Centre Melbourne’s Chief Executive Officer Karen Quinlan AM.
“We invite the community to celebrate and reflect on this significant milestone by attending a show, joining a tour, watching our documentary series or just taking in the beautiful architecture and design of the building.”
The Building an Icon series will be released this month, showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the Theatres Building and its iconic Spire. Hosted by mid-century modern design enthusiast Tim Ross, the three-part series features exclusive interviews and rare archival material to illuminate the story of how this cultural landmark was created on the banks of the Yarra.
In conversation with guests including architect Victoria Grounds (daughter of Sir Roy Grounds), and Truscott historian Denise Whitehouse, Tim Ross explores how the unique blend of striking architecture, decadent Hollywood-style interiors and mid-century Australian art so successfully brings together people and performance. The series concludes with a focus on the future of Arts Centre Melbourne. For a sneak peek watch the trailer here.
Design enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the Sir Roy Grounds furniture collection at Arts Centre Melbourne from 28 October – 6 November. The newly released collection is designed by Melbourne-based K5 Furniture in collaboration with Roy Grounds’ daughter Victoria Grounds and architectural historian Tony Lee. In line with Grounds’ original designs the range exemplifies his restrained, minimalist style.
Members of the public are also invited to join a limited-edition tour of the architectural, art and interior design highlights of the Theatres Building from 12 October – 9 November.
Participants will hear how Grounds’ bold vision shaped Melbourne’s cultural landmark, experience the decadent interiors created by John Truscott, view highlights from the Public Art Collection and learn how upgrades to the Theatres Building as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation will meet contemporary needs while preserving heritage.
Also on display throughout October in the Smorgon Family Plaza is an Australian Performing Arts Collection display – Worlds Under the Spire – showcasing set models from the Australian Performing Arts Collection that represent productions staged in Arts Centre Melbourne venues since 1984.
For more information about Arts Centre Melbourne, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Images: Tim Ross – photo by Mia Mala McDonald | Photograph of the artistic rendering of Victorian Arts Centre Melbourne with the ‘lattice spire’ looking south west from Princes Bridge. Shows Mobil building, signed Wallace ’65. Gift of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust, 2012 – photo courtesy of Australian Performing Arts Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne | Ottoman and Bench, K5 Furniture – Grounds Collection – photo by Amara Bett