Forum Melbourne is a live music venue at 154 Flinders Street in Melbourne’s CBD, in the former State Theatre, built in 1929. Its auditorium pairs Greco-Roman statues and ornate balconies with a blue domed ceiling dotted with lights like a night sky. The hall feels more intimate than a large arena, with acoustics praised for live performances. Check the event setup when booking: standing areas, booth seating and several bars are available, though booth seats cost extra.
A theatre built to feel like another place
Forum Melbourne opened in 1929 as the State Theatre. It was designed as an atmospheric theatre, a style intended to make the auditorium feel less like a plain enclosed hall and more like an outdoor European setting.
That idea survives in the room’s Greco-Roman statues, ornate balconies and alcoves decorated with gargoyles. Above them, a blue domed ceiling is dotted with lights that suggest a night sky. The hall’s decorative details are part of the experience, so take a moment to look around before focusing on the stage.
Concerts in the former State Theatre
The venue now hosts live music by Australian and international performers. Its capacity is reported as up to 2,000, placing it between a small club and a large arena in scale. The layout can include standing room and booth seating, and the main hall has been refurbished to allow more room for standing audiences.
Several bars are inside the venue. If you want a seat, booth seating is an option at extra cost; if you plan to stand, arriving early can help you find a preferred spot. Forum Melbourne is on Flinders Street in the CBD, at the corner of Russell Street.
Perguntas frequentes
What was Forum Melbourne before it became a live music venue?
It was the State Theatre, built in 1929 as an atmospheric theatre.
What can you see inside Forum Melbourne?
The auditorium has Greco-Roman statues, ornate balconies, gargoyle-decorated alcoves and a blue domed ceiling dotted with lights.
Does Forum Melbourne have seating?
Booth seating is available for an additional cost. Concert layouts can also include standing room.
Where is Forum Melbourne?
It is at 154 Flinders Street in Melbourne’s CBD, on the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street.
