Refurbishment works have begun at Arts Centre Melbourne’s State Theatre signaling the most significant upgrade since it opened in 1984.

A video produced by Development Victoria gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the restoration of the theatre and refurbishment works through the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation that will improve the experience and accessibility for visitors, upgrading technology and acoustics and ultimately bringing the theatre up to contemporary international standards.

NH Director Hamish Lyon and Principal Emily von Moger feature in the video alongside team members from Development Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and Lendlease to discuss the refurbishment.

In the video, Hamish says what a privilege it is for our team to work on the theatre, which is such a significant Melbourne icon “As architects, we feel like we’re sort of custodians and gatekeepers for this period of time.”

He describes the experience of entering the theater interior and the delicate balancing act for us as designers between maintaining the heritage elements and making the necessary updates to the space: “When you come into the State Theatre, you can’t miss the fact that there’s this bright raspberry red velvet. You almost want to touch and taste it. It’s a balancing act between how we make sure we maintain the quality of the space but also bring it up to fit for purpose for another 50 years of life.”

“And this is where the selection of materials and making sure both the quality of the materials for what’s required for the acoustics sits in alignment with the red vibrancy of the space that we’re in.” Emily added.

Watch the video below to hear more about this transformational project.

The Victorian Government funded Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia’s history. The project is being delivered by Development Victoria for Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co), in collaboration with Creative Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Lendlease is the Managing Contractor for the Arts Centre Melbourne Upgrades Main Works package.

Image courtesy of Arts Centre Melbourne