![]() The Melbourne Athenaeum | |
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Address | 188 Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria Australia |
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Coordinates | 37°48′54″S 144°58′02″E / 37.81504°S 144.96736°E |
Designation | Victorian Heritage Register, Register of Historic Buildings |
Capacity | 880 (theatre one) |
Current use | Live theatre, comedy, library, readings |
Construction | |
Opened | 1839 |
Rebuilt | 1885-1886 |
Years active | 184–185 |
Architect | Smith & Johnson |
Website | |
www |
The Athenaeum or Melbourne Athenaeum at 188 Collins Street is an art and cultural hub in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1839, it is the city's oldest cultural institution.
Its building on Collins Street in the East End Theatre District sits opposite the Regent Theatre, and currently consists of a main theatre, a smaller studio theatre, a restaurant and a subscription library. It has also served as a mechanics' institute, an art exhibition space, and a cinema.