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.
Location: City of Melbourne
Inception: 1854
Architects: William Pitt
Official opening: 1854
Capacity: 1452
Address: 163 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://marrinergroup.com.au/princess-theatre
GPS coordinates: -37.81072,144.97235
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29
Melbourne combines historic heritage and nature across several notable sites. The Queen Victoria Market, established in 1878, spans seven hectares and offers fresh products and local crafts. The Royal Botanic Gardens have housed over 8,500 plant species on 36 hectares since 1846. Flinders Street...
St Patrick's Cathedral
328 m
Parliament House
71 m
Her Majesty's Theatre
240 m
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
231 m
Old Treasury Building
328 m
Telstra Corporate Centre
226 m
1 Treasury Place
273 m
Palace Theatre
54 m
Comedy Theatre
212 m
Grossi Florentino
174 m
Chinese Museum
276 m
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
368 m
Great Petition
263 m
Eastern Hill Fire Station
361 m
East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation
215 m
Victorian Artists Society
382 m
222 Exhibition Street
207 m
Statue of Sun Yat-sen
272 m
East Melbourne Lutheran church
303 m
Alcaston House
287 m
Gordon Reserve
243 m
Salvation Army Training Garrison
309 m
Sum Kum Lee
299 m
Job Warehouse
131 m
Federal Oak
238 m
Tasma Terrace
310 m
Baptist Church House
245 m
Tram Shelter
249 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes