Forum Melbourne

Forum Melbourne

Forum Melbourne
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
Formerly the State Theatre, the Forum Melbourne first opened in 1929 with the largest seating capacity of any theatre in Australia. Since then the venue has been divided into two separate venues. Downstairs, Forum I is famous for its unique architecture, large stage, mesmerising proscenium and signature cabaret style booths. Upstairs, Forum II is a smaller venue with tiered seating, small stage, surround sound and cinema size screen. Renowned as one of Melbourne’s most unique and best live music venues, the Forum plays host to many bands, singers, comedians and popular festivals every year. When not being used for live music, the venue comes alive as an amazing function space for events such as cocktail parties, launches and fashion events.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles108 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
38
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0

Paul L
Hallam, Australia996 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Solo
Just a short stroll from Flinders St Station this venue holds some of the larger acts - but not the largest - that tour Melbourne. It's location is a big selling point and the well laid out nature of the place is helpful for even first timers to find their way around. There are a number of facilities and the staff have always been friendly - whether at the food/drink sales points or the box office.

Given it's so close to the CBD you won't be suffering from a shortage of before or after show options either.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mankoman
Deloraine, Australia339 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
Saw Spiderbait and support acts play here. We had a general admission ticket, so no seating.

Very interesting building inside and out, good acoustics, not too long to wait at the bar.

We got there early and found a good elevated spot to stand which worked very well for my wife who is short and normally can't see much at gigs, so that would be a solid recommendation for those who want a good view without going into the main area front of stage.
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,699 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Like most large venues in Melbourne. the Forum is managed by Mariner Group. The Forum, which was completed in 1929, can accommodate several thousand fans for live music, theatre, cinema, drama and events. A big line-up of live music is planned for 2021. The Forum is at the corner of Flinders St and Russell. Have a look, if only to take in the atmosphere.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,292 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2020
I wrote a review about this in 2014 and it is well worth visiting again. It was formerly the State Theatre and built in 1929. At the time it was the largest in Australia with 3371 seats. It is unique as has a blue ceiling,twinkling stars and projected clouds. The interior incorporates elements of the Italian medieval,Renaissance, Baroque and Spanish Mission styles.. In 1962 it split into the Rapallo and Forum Theatre.For many years it was the Christian Revival Crusade building before going back to a theatre.
Hopefully soon after the corona restrictions are eased it will re open. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and is National Trust classified.
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,699 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
The Forum was originally the State Theatre; it opened in 1929, the year the Great Depression hit. The theatre looks like it's straight out of the Roaring Twenties. It was originally a picture theatre, and is still used for the Melbourne Film Festival. Mostly its used for live performances, most of which appeal to a hipster demographic. The Forum can contain around 2,000 concert goes, making it the biggest theatre in Australia. The Forum is certainly gaudy, but most hipsters like it that way.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScarlettPearl
Victoria, Australia163 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2017 • Friends
The Forum offers a fantastic live music venue right in the heart of the city. The decor is amazing (even the ladies room was elegant) and there is a great floor area for concerts as well as two levels of elevated seated area and more elevated standing room behind so you're assured a good view of the stage from all areas. Acoustics are great for live concerts. Much nicer place to see your favourite music than newer venues that offer no charm or personality!
Written 3 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maria
Brisbane, Australia574 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
While strolling around Melbourne be sure to drop by the Forum. Enjoy looking at the building from over the road near ACMI and then go in for a closer look. Lovely details on the exterior.
Written 25 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

melissaj242018
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2019 • Couples
Such a divine building absolutely stunning.
Saw Conrad Sewell perform on Friday night & WOW! Just WOW!
Not too crowded, easy acsess to toilets, bar, exits ect & no matter where you are standing a great view of the stage. Such an intimate & beautiful setting! A definite must if you get a chance
Written 8 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leonie510
Adelaide4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2018 • Couples
Walking past this beautiful building & met Chris the manager who kindly invited us in to see Jet in concert - could not believe this incredible gesture & I sincerely hope we can return the favor one day somehow? His love of the building shines through & I wish him all the very best for the future.
Written 12 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

martinc2103
Garfield, Australia90 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2018 • Couples
Well last night I went to see something very special. To date I have only ever been to see Comedy at the bizarrely beautiful Forum, but now I was in for a treat and am kicking myself for all the other events I have missed.

So the Forum feels like an auntie you haven't seen in a while, she dresses weirdly but impressively and likes a drink....that's the Forum for me. Fascinating and in need of attention. A hidden gem in Melbourne.

So who did I see? Well The Stranglers of course, who belted out a great set and I am slightly deaf and horse today. This is a great band live and the range of there catalog many many bands will envy...from Nice and Sleazy to Golden Brown with a bit of Peaches.......I loved it and they seemed to too. The crowd left happy and my guest who was a little wary as she didn't even know who The Stranglers were was looking them up on Spotify as we walked out of the venue.

This is a great place for live music!!

Usual tips......staff friendly and organised, easy to get in and out, got very hot so dress accordingly and bring a sandwich (not really just wanted to see if you were still reading)

Please like if you enjoyed this review.
Written 6 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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