Princess Theatre, Victorian-era theatre in Spring Street, Melbourne, Australia
Princess Theatre is a performance venue with 1452 seats located on Spring Street in Melbourne, Australia, known for its Second Empire facade and richly decorated interiors. The auditorium rises in several tiers, all facing the large stage framed by its historic proscenium arch.
The site began as Astley's Amphitheatre in 1854, serving audiences drawn to Melbourne during the gold rush. The current building was completed in 1886 and has operated continuously as a performance hall ever since.
The venue carries its royal name since 1886 and remains a place where Melburnians come dressed for special evenings. People gather in the foyers during intermissions, continuing a tradition of social gathering around major stage productions.
Visitors can join regular guided tours to explore backstage areas and learn about the building's technical features. Access ramps and multiple refreshment points help make evenings more comfortable for all guests.
The architects installed a sliding roof mechanism in 1886 that could be opened on warm evenings. This engineering solution provided air circulation before electric cooling systems existed and showed the ingenuity of the period.
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