The Forum Theatre, previously referred to as State Theatre, is a former cinema and historic theater that is located at the corner of Flinders and Russell Street, in the heart of the Central Business District of Melbourne, which is the capital and most populous city of the State of Victoria, within the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Australia. Nestled just across from Federation Square, and a short walk from Flinders Street Station, this striking structure is one of the city’s most recognizable and admired cultural landmarks, celebrated for its extravagant design and atmospheric interior.
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This historic building was built in 1928, as it was originally commissioned by Stuart F. Doyle, who was the managing director of the Union Theatres chain. He sought to introduce a new era of grand cinema palaces to the Australian public, so he instigated a new building to be constructed so that the Australians in Melbourne, Victoria, and the broader region would enjoy high-quality theater. The building was constructed on the site of the old State Migration Office, and its design was handled by American architect John Eberson in partnership with the Australian firm Bohringer, Taylor & Johnson. Eberson was known for pioneering the “atmospheric theater” style that was a genre meant to transport patrons into romanticized and exotic environments.
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The construction commenced in 1927 and was completed within a year, officially opening its doors to the general public on 20 February 1929 as the State Theatre. The materials used were both locally and internationally sourced, whereas the exterior was built using reinforced concrete, steel framework, and rendered brick, while the façade was richly decorated with plaster castings imitating Moorish revival motifs. Imported tiles, ironwork, and ornate finishes added a sense of opulence and sophistication, and the intricate interior detailing was achieved using molded plaster, timber panelling, decorative iron, and colored glass.
Architecturally, the Forum Theatre is a masterpiece of eclecticism because its façade draws heavily from Moorish and Gothic architectural styles, with pointed arches, domes, and minaret-like spires rising above Flinders Street. The most iconic feature is the twin minarets that dominate the building’s skyline, making it one of the most distinctive silhouettes in Melbourne, which are very easy to recognize. Above the entrance, there are intricate arabesques and sandstone-colored carvings that create a visually arresting display.
Inside, the theater stuns visitors with its atmospheric design, replicating a twilight Roman courtyard beneath a simulated sky ceiling. The blue-painted dome is embedded with tiny lights that mimic stars, and the upper walls are lined with sculpted facades, turrets, and balustrades that evoke an ancient Mediterranean townscape. This illusory setting was intended to enhance the escapism of early cinema, allowing audiences to feel transported to another world even before the film began.
Originally, the theater was built to screen films and host live performances, so the theater’s initial capacity was around 3,300 patrons, making it the largest theater in Australia at the time. Its purpose was to provide a luxurious entertainment experience during an era when cinema was rapidly becoming a dominant form of popular culture, and it was thriving throughout the 1930s and 1940s, as it hosted film premieres, orchestral performances, and live shows.
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Nevertheless, by the 1960s, changes in public entertainment habits led to its conversion into a two-screen cinema complex, and as part of the rebranding tactic, it was renamed to the Forum Theatre in 1981, and despite various ownership changes, the building managed to retain much of its original grandeur. In the early 2000s, the theater was closed for major restorations led by the Marriner Group, which was the team responsible for restoring other heritage theaters in Melbourne. Their efforts revived the building’s splendour while modernizing it for contemporary audiences.
Today, the Forum Theatre is not just a surviving relic but a living part of Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene. It serves as a premier venue for music concerts, comedy performances, theatrical productions, film festivals, and cultural events. From international bands and solo artists to local comedians during Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Forum remains at the center of the city’s cultural pulse.
The best time to see the Forum Theatre is during a live performance or one of Melbourne’s major festivals such as Melbourne International Film Festival, White Night, or Melbourne Music Week. These events often showcase the building in its full grandeur with special lighting, interior access, and immersive programming. However, in case one does not want to participate in one of the organized events, then simply by going in front of the building during day time is more than enough to admire the majestic structure. Even outside event times, the building’s exterior alone is worth a visit, especially during the evening when the façade is beautifully lit.
Locating the Forum Theatre is easy since it is located just a few meters from Flinders Street Station, and it is easily accessible by train, tram, and bus. Tram routes 70, 75, and the free City Circle tram stop right outside the theater, and nearby public car parks cater to those arriving by car. For those on foot, it’s a short stroll from iconic landmarks such as the Yarra River, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
While it is primarily open during events, the theater’s front entrance and box office areas are often accessible during the day, and guided heritage tours are occasionally offered during Melbourne Open House weekends. The interior’s Moorish arches, balcony spaces, and starry sky effect offer visitors a chance to experience a rare piece of design history up close.
In conclusion, the Forum Theatre stands as a symbol of Melbourne’s enduring love for the arts. Its remarkable architecture and immersive environment have cemented its place as a cultural institution that bridges the past and the present, so whether admired from the street or experienced during a live performance, it offers visitors a unique connection to a time when entertainment was as much about the venue as the spectacle. A visit here is not just a cultural experience but a journey into a theatrical fantasy, one that continues to enchant and inspire.
