Refurbished Athenaeum Theatre Back in Action

Melbourne's historic Athenaeum Theatre is thriving following its recent reopening.

Part of Melbourneâs oldest cultural institution (which today houses the theatre, the Athenaeum Library, a restaurant and retail outlet), the theatre reopened recently after work that included the expansion of its orchestra pit to accommodate 50 musicians, the installation of new seating, the improvement of backstage and toilet facilities and re-carpet the building. The theatre's historic lift was also upgraded.

The work was funded by $877,000 under the Federal Government's Jobs Fund.

The theatre is home to Victoria's busiest professional opera company, the Melbourne Opera. Speaking of the refurbishement, Melbourne Opera Chairman Peter Clark stated "this refurbishment gives Melbourne a marvellous new resource for opera. The expanded pit combined with the historic intimacy of the auditorium makes a perfect venue for the major popular works from the repertoire in which our company specialises.

"Victorian audiences love the intimacy of the Athenaeum Theatre and this refurbishment provides us with a superb base"

The Athenaeum Theatre has been utilised successfully by many opera companies over the years, including Washington Opera during Gian Carlo Menotti's first Melbourne Festival, Opera Australia, Chambermade Opera and Ozopera.

Founded as Melbourne's first Mechanics Institute, the heritage listed building celebrated its 170th anniversary in November 2009.