About the Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is one of the oldest public institutions in Victoria, Australia, founded in 1839.

Its building in the Melbourne City Centre consists of a main theatre hosting a range of theatre, comedy and music performances, a small studio theatre, and a subscription library. The building was added to the National Trust’s Register of Historic Buildings in 1981 and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The theatre is part of Melbourne’s East End Theatre District.

Today, the Athenaeum Theatre is used for a range of theatre, comedy and music performances, including as a principal venue for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Opera. The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas presents discussions and talks at the theatre.

The subscription library has a 30,000-strong collection and hosts regular events, talks, book clubs and a screen club.

The Athenaeum Theatre is operated by A.T. Management Pty Ltd.

Barry Janes - Director
Greg Hocking AM - Director
Glenn Elston OAM - Director

Chris Raduly - General Manager
Michael Beer - Box Office Manager
Dr Sepehr Moradi - Front of House Manager

Mick Bell - Production Manager