Athenaeum Theatre

Cute mid-​sized theatre in the CBD, The Athenaeum might be a little more tired and homespun compared to some of the ritzier ones around town, but therein lies its charm. It’s surprisingly intimate for a three tier venue, and unlike some other local theatres you can take a drink in with you. Seen enough great bands, comedians, plays, and talks given here over the years for it to cement a fond place in my heart.

I came here on a Sunday morning to attend Hillsong Melbourne’s Sunday service.
The architecture of this building is beautiful — the classic crown molding on the ceilings was just amazing. Though not a huge space, the theater sits a reasonable amount of people while still feeling warm and homey. The acoustics were great for Hillsong’s worship, but I’m not sure how it would be for other types of music or entertainment.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience here and I was definitely captivated by the beauty of the building. :)

I’m very lucky! I get to attend comedy events here for free through my works social club. I have been to the Athenaeum many times and seen many comedy shows. The main room is a perfect spot to have a laugh with friends with a bar and also table service during acts. I have had many many laughs at this venue which is located right in Melbourne’s CBD. The theatre is one of our great city’s oldest institutions, its has been a library and also a museum. I highly recommend you get to a show at the Athenaeum as the performers rate from Australian based comedians and often overseas comedians. You have to experience a show here as its is a Melbourne institution. If you are up for a show sometime, let me know and I’ll invite fellow Unilocalers to come along and experience some great laughs :)

With so many beautiful old theatres in Melbourne, and so much live music passing through our fair town, it’s fantastic when an act you want to see announces they’ll be playing at The Athenaeum.
A grand old dame of a theatre, the foyer alone is impressive and a great place to take in a wine before the show. In fact, every gig I’ve seen here has begun this way, and I feel it adds to the old theatre experience.
Inside, the theatre is quite huge, yet still retains an intimate feel for a venue. Not all acts work here, so it’s the more mellow styles that seem to book the theatre for a gig, and the seating alone sets the tone for the show.
With wooden floors and walls, the sound is beautifully presented, and whether it was The Eels, (on many occasions), or the Gutter Twins, I have enjoyed every show I have seen here. A true night out is made of what is sometimes a bustling task of trying to watch a band amongst a sardine like crowd.