Arts Centre Melbourne Tours: a Peek Beneath the Spire
Step inside Melbourne’s most recognisable spire and uncover its hidden stories.
Melbourne’s Arts Centre isn’t just a place to see world-class performances. It’s a landmark filled with fascinating history, design quirks, and backstage secrets!
We join an Arts Centre Melbourne guided tour, which includes a hot drink at Protagonist café afterward. A lovely touch that turns the outing into a full experience. The tour runs for about 60 minutes, and although it is a manageable walk, there are places to sit, and our guide is happy to adjust the pace when needed.
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What’s included in the Arts Centre Melbourne Tour?
We start in the 2,400-seat auditorium of Hamer Hall, which is stunning even when empty. Our guide shares stories about the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, acoustic design, and the architectural quirks hidden throughout the space.
From there, we cross to the Theatres Building, known for its dramatic red foyers and that spire you can see from just about anywhere in the city. We walk through foyers, lounges, and lesser-seen parts of the venue, including a peek into one of the drama theatres (subject to availability depending on rehearsals).
We learn that the buildings were designed by John Truscott to be acoustically perfect and visually theatrical. He wanted to create a “Neverland” where you could lose all sense of time—no clocks, no natural light, just atmosphere. The soft leather wall coverings, dramatic mirrored corridors to ease claustrophobia, and rich, plush velvet textures were evident throughout.
We even get to see the hidden bathroom once prepared for Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and some quirky stories from their visit.
Another of the unexpected highlights? The public art collection. I hadn’t realised how many sculptures, tapestries, and design features were embedded into the architecture. Everything has a story, from the handwoven stage curtains to the 1980s lounge décor that’s suddenly back in style.
Terrie’s review
Going on a “Behind the Scenes” tour of Hamer Hall and the Arts Centre in Melbourne was quite a thrilling experience. We were taken into offside rooms and nooks and crannies that you don’t know about if you just attend a performance at one of the theatre rooms. We also learnt about the history of the buildings and the architect.
I have a new admiration for the person who can design a building with so much passion, thinking of every single detail, big and small, to give the theatre goer the maximum experience. Often, I would enjoy these surroundings with no thought of someone using their talents, pouring their heart into making this experience just perfect.
I loved the story of the small room, beautifully fitted out with a gold ceiling, teal carpet, and velvet walls, with a very stylish “bathroom” next door, all designed in blue to match Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Soft leather lounge chairs. A room to host special guests, like Diana and Charles, before a show. So thrilling to think I sat on the same lounge chair as royalty!
Another outstanding area was the very long wall of marble filled silicone squares. Just amazing colours and a very unusual design. These tours are on every day except Monday and Sunday. Tickets are $25, and I think it’s well worth the money to learn about our amazing Arts Precinct right on the doorstep of the Yarra.
Fun Facts and Little Secrets
This Arts Centre Melbourne tour is full of surprises. We won’t give away too many, but here are just a few of the things that stuck with us:
- The spire itself was inspired by scaffolding. Look closely next time you pass by—you might spot the shapes of a ballerina’s tutu at the base and a conductor’s baton at the top.
- Children once donated copper coins during the fundraising stage, but the coins were never used in construction—they interfered with the building’s acoustics!
- The Amcor Lounge, with its glowing resin feature wall, was an absolute standout.
- Indigenous artworks have been part of the Arts Centre’s collection since it first opened.
Hard to believe this cultural landmark once hosted a circus, a skating rink, and even Japanese tea rooms—on land that used to be a swamp! Its transformation over the decades is nothing short of remarkable.
Accessibility?
The Arts Centre Melbourne Tour is accessible for wheelchair users, and there are lifts between levels plus accessible bathrooms on each level. Call 1300 182 183 to advise of any Access Requirements.
It’s suitable for anyone who’s comfortable standing and walking for short stretches. Our group includes a mix of locals and visitors—many of us 60+, all of us curious.
After the tour, we sit outside in the sunshine, sipping our coffees and watching people bustle past on St Kilda Road.
Tips if you’re planning to go
- Arts Centre Melbourne Tours run Tuesday to Saturday, usually mid-morning (and Friday afternoons if you fancy a wine instead of a coffee).
- Tickets are $25, or a bit more for the afternoon session, which includes a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
- Book in advance online or check with the Arts Centre’s box office—tours are capped to keep the experience intimate.
- Note that access to the auditoriums is not guaranteed and is subject to performances taking place on the day.
- Pair it with a visit to the Australian Music Vault, which is free and located under the spire.
- Other attractions nearby include NGV International and Buxton Contemporary.
If you’re looking for something cultural, affordable, and easy to access via tram (it’s right near Flinders Street Station), this tour is a gem. You don’t need to be a theatre buff to enjoy it—just a bit of curiosity and a love for Melbourne’s creative side.
Highly recommended for your next city day out.
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The Seniors in Melbourne team attended as guests of Arts Centre Melbourne. All opinions are the writers’ own.
