There aren’t many stages in Australia that inspire that fizzy, pre-show excitement quite like the one at Arts Centre Melbourne's State Theatre – in all its red velvet and brass-trimmed old-school sparkle. The beloved performance centre has been closed for renovations since April 2024, and following a monumental makeover, she’s officially coming back – with the main stage set to reopen six months ahead of schedule.
The newly renamed Ian Potter State Theatre will welcome guests once again in October 2026, marking the first major milestone completed in the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – which is (according to the Victorian Government) the most ambitious cultural infrastructure project in Australia.
For a little context, the stage in question isn’t just any stage. It's one of the biggest on the planet – larger than four tennis courts – and it’s the spiritual home of the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia, two companies that have shaped the city’s cultural soul for decades.
While the theatre’s iconic 1984 design – including the shimmering ceiling adorned with 75,000 brass spheres – will remain very much intact, the refurbishment will bring the venue firmly into the 21st century. Improvements include improved climate control, upgraded fire protection, high-performance sound and energy-efficient lighting replacing the systems that were well past their prime.
The renovations will also include a major focus on accessibility. For the first time, patrons with mobility challenges will have genuine freedom of choice, with new accessible seating across all three levels. The stalls and circle are getting new aisles, two lifts will directly connect the foyer to accessible seats, and the balcony is expanding to make it all possible.
Construction on the theatre officially kicked off in early 2024, and will continue once the curtains are up in October 2026. Other additions to the venue will include a new accessible stage door, a larger loading dock, a flexible rehearsal space with an adjoining function room, and new places to eat and drink – because every great theatre night deserves a pre-show glass of bubbles.
The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project will also pave the way for a lush new 18,000-square-metre urban garden Laak Boorndap and The Fox: NGV Contemporary, set to be a landmark for Melbourne's modern art lovers.
You can learn more about the project over here. In the meantime, these are the best shows to see in Melbourne right now.
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