Photo HiViv Photography
For the first time since it opened in 1984, Arts Centre Melbourne's Theatres Building has received major upgrades. The beloved Ian Potter State Theatre will be enhanced with new accessible seating – providing the opportunity for more Victorians to enjoy live performance in the venue.
Victoria’s much-loved State Theatre is set to reopen six months ahead of schedule as part of the upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building.
The theatre, which will be known as the Ian Potter State Theatre, will open in October 2026. It will be the first completed milestone for this city-shaping project.
No, the 2026 Season will remain at the Regent Theatre as planned.
We’ll be welcoming our subscribers and supporters back into the venue with a special Preview Event, offering the chance to explore the new theatre and seating before our first 2027 Season performance returns. The exact timing will depend on venue availability and the launch of our 2027 subscription season, and we’ll share a further update with you in February.
The Australian Ballet is working closely with Arts Centre Melbourne on the revised layout of the Ian Potter State Theatre, and together we will publish a revised seating map in the new year.
Please note that the changes to the seating layout mean some adjustments to subscriber seating will be necessary.
You will be welcome to make changes to your allocated seat when Season 2027 packages go on sale.
Arts Centre Melbourne is currently reviewing all seat plaques ahead of reopening and will provide further information in the coming months.
