the Arts Centre

Set in the Kings Domain Gardens this hugely popular summertime venue hosts everything from Summerdayze to the surf grooves of Jack Johnson, from the rock of Pearl Jam to the sounds of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to the vibe of The Asian Dub Foundation.

It is also home to Carols by Candlelight and MSO’s free summertime concert series. It seats more than 2,000 with room for a further 11,000 on its landscaped lawn.

50th Anniversary

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of this iconic Melbourne venue. The Bowl was Melbourne’s first major purpose-built outdoor venue. The design of the tent-like roof, suspended from two tapering masts, was an amazing feat of structural engineering.
Explore 50 years of the Bowl

To celebrate this milestone the Arts Centre has put together a four-day commemorative program of free events. From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 February, the festivities feature two concerts from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, including a recreation of its 1959 opening concert of the Bowl; a salute to 50 years of rock and roll at the Bowl from RocKwiz and an afternoon picnic of family entertainment. There is also an informative exhibition in the St Kilda Road Foyer of the Arts Centre.
50th anniversary weekend of events

Getting there

If you are driving to the venue the Arts Centre car park is a short walk from the Bowl with entry from the rear off Sturt or Kavanagh Streets. Otherwise it is a short walk from Flinders Street Station or a tram ride up St Kilda Road.

For venue-hiring enquiries email glen.hirst@theartscentre.com.au