A heritage-sensitive renewal of a major Melbourne performance venue combines restoration of its distinctive interior with accessibility, acoustic, backstage and building-system upgrades. The completed project offers a substantial adaptive-reuse case study.
Ian Potter State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
About this story
Dezeen reports that NH Architecture and Snøhetta refurbished and expanded the 2,000-seat Ian Potter State Theatre. The work retains and restores the theatre’s heritage interior, including the cascading brass ceiling, while introducing upgraded seating, acoustics, climate control, sound and lighting systems, accessibility features and expanded backstage facilities. Snøhetta identifies NH Architecture as lead architect, working with its Melbourne studio; Lendlease says it delivered the refurbishment in partnership with Development Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and Creative Victoria on behalf of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation. The theatre was originally completed in 1984 by architect Roy Grounds, with interiors by John Truscott.
Status and timeline
Completed and reopened in October 2026, six months ahead of schedule. The theatre originally opened in 1984.
Design highlights
A retention-led approach preserves the venue’s recognizable red-and-gold character and restores its cascading brass ceiling while adapting circulation and seating for accessibility and audience flow. New acoustic ceiling panels and backstage spaces support contemporary performance needs; the project pairs conservation of original design with upgraded building services and technology.
