Arts and Cultural Building
The Arts and Cultural Building is a vibrant cultural hub and the new home to the iconic Union and Guild Theatres and UMSU's George Paton Gallery.
Situated on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the building promotes connectedness through arts, culture and music. The Arts and Cultural Building hosts the University of Melbourne's performing arts activities, and UMSU's Union House Theatre.
The Arts and Cultural Building is also available for hire, providing spaces for a broad range of performances and events.
Theatres
Union Theatre
The Union Theatre is a state of the art 398-seat proscenium arch theatre with an orchestra pit, automated flying system, industry standard audio and lighting production capacity suitable for a wide range professional theatre presentations, concerts and events.
View the Union Theatre seating map (PDF)
Guild Theatre
The Guild Theatre is a 102-seat ‘black box’ theatre, offering a flexible performance space with retractable seating, industry standard audio and lighting systems suitable for a variety of theatre productions, workshops and events.
The Arts and Cultural Building also includes two fully equipped rehearsal spaces, a theatre workshop for stage and prop production and development, multiple dressing rooms, and a theatre bar and box office operating during show times.
Getting Here
The Arts & Cultural Building is located on Monash Road within the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus. You can learn more about transport, parking and getting to the theatre on the Your Visit page.
Pre-Show Dining at Cosmos
ST ALi’s COSMOS Italian Diner, conveniently situated next to the Monash Road entrance of the Arts & Cultural Building, is the ideal spot for a pre-show dinner or cocktail. Bookings are required and can be made at cosmospizza.com.au
Other Food & Beverage Options
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a dine-in meal, there are a range of options to chose from in the Arts and Cultural Building. Visit the Campus Information page to explore more dining options around campus.
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ST. ALi Coffee Kiosk
Melbourne born and bred, ST. ALi roast their ethically and sustainably sourced coffee in-house with expert coffee brewing and food offerings.
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Thailander
Thailander serves authentic Thai cuisine from Building 168 just next to the Arts & Cultural Building. You can learn more about Thailander’s fast and affordable menu at thailander.net.au
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Gong Cha
Offering freshly prepared bubble tea, Gong cha is the fastest growing tea brand in Asia with over 1500 stores worldwide.
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Campus General Store
Your one-stop shop offering grab-and-go food and drinks, ready-to-heat meals, stationery, everyday items and even dry-cleaning services.
Inclusive Spaces
Through a considered design process, the spaces created in the building are accessible and inclusive to all. Key features of the Arts and Cultural building include:
- Provision of equal access to dressing rooms, stage, orchestra pit, control room, crying room, and all sound-mix positions in both the Union and Guild Theatres;
- Wheelchair access via elevators and shorter ‘jump lifts’ throughout spaces and theatres;
- Accessible bathrooms on all levels including in dressing rooms;
- Visual cue light system to dressing rooms and green room for performers who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Hearing assist system with infrared pendants available for collection from the box office
Sustainability
The Arts and Cultural Building is on track to receive a 6-Star Green Star building accreditation, championing sustainability in all aspects of University life, from food and landscapes to energy consumption and campus operations.
Key sustainability features include:
- Below the building are three water tanks, with a collective capacity of nearly 400KL capturing rainwater from the roof. This water is used to flush toilets, irrigate plants, cool the buildings air conditioning system, and kept in reserve for fire protection purposes.
- Our eateries operate without single-use plastic, aligned to the University’s commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impacts.
Visual Arts
George Paton Gallery
UMSU’s George Paton Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that encourages experimental, collaborative and pedagogical approaches to contemporary art. Students from all disciplines are invited to take part in the gallery’s annual program of exhibitions and events. To find out more about the exhibition program, mentorship, support and opportunities as a student artist or curator visit the UMSU page.
Arts Lab
A large workshop space equipped with long tables, easels and a wide range of art supplies, the UMSU Arts Lab is open to all! Retreat into the warm, arty space solo or with your friends to get creative and escape the hustle of uni life. Arts Lab is also home to immersive and creative workshops run by a diverse range of artists and makers.
