Did you hear about the clock tower on the Forum Melbourne? It rose 49 meters above the street. It was instantly noticed by commuters leaving Flinders Street Station. The Forum Melbourne stands here as a testament to Melbourne’s vibrant history. It is a premier live music and event venue. Originally known as the State Theatre, the Forum Melbourne first opened its doors on February 23, 1929.
Union Theatres wanted to outpace Hoyts’ Regent Theatre. They wanted to be the first to open an extravagant picture palace. The State won the race after seven months of construction. It opened three weeks before the Regent. The opening night was spectacular. It presented the silent films “The Fleet’s In” starring Miss Clara Bow. “The Cameraman” starring Buster Keaton also played.
Designed by American architect John Eberson, the Forum Melbourne was an “atmospheric theatre.” Its interior evokes a Florentine walled garden. A cerulean-blue ceiling twinkles with lights like stars. This mimics a twilight sky. The exterior features a Moorish style. Minarets and a clock tower add to its exotic look.
Inside, audiences were drawn to an illuminated clock. It was synchronised to the clock tower. The Stalls level had 1,999 seats and a vast night sky. Constellations were accurately placed. With 3,371 seats, the Forum Melbourne had the largest seating capacity in Australia.
The Forum Melbourne included a Wurlitzer organ. It had 21 rows of pipes. It also featured a grand piano attachment and oboe horn. Frank D. Lanterman opened the organ in 1928. He was the resident organist for two years.
In 1962, the State Theatre became the Forum Theatre. In 1963, Greater Union converted the oversized auditorium. They made two smaller cinemas. The Dress Circle became the Rapallo Theatre. The Stalls remained the Forum Theatre.
By 1985, Revival Centres International purchased the building. It fell into disrepair. David Marriner’s Staged Developments Australia bought it in 1995. They redeveloped it as a film and concert venue. It became part of the Marriner Group’s portfolio.
The Forum Melbourne has hosted many famous artists. Oasis, Madonna, and Harry Styles have all performed here. It is also a venue for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The Forum underwent a major internal renovation in 2016. Original features were restored. The mosaic tile entrance was uncovered. Statues were remoulded. Interior walls were moved back to their original 1929 position.
The Music Victoria Awards have nominated the Forum Melbourne several times. It won Best Venue in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, it won Best Large Venue. The Forum Melbourne stands as a vibrant landmark. It is a reminder of Melbourne’s rich cultural history. It continues to be a premier destination for live music and events.