Private Concerts & Events

Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Exquisite architectural design and an unforgettable experience.

Intimate and acoustically superb, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall features inspiring state-of-the-art design. Drawing influence from the traditional box shape of European concert halls, the Hall is lined with plywood panels of sculpted Australian plantation Hoop Pine timber, designed to resemble a beautiful instrument.

A brilliant marriage of the classical and the contemporary, the stage is an innovative, unique and spectacular setting for a variety of social functions and corporate events including cocktail functions, dining, presentations and more.

Named after Founding Patron Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE, the Hall is ‘a living space for making, sharing and enjoying great music’ and great company.

Please note, usage of this space is subject to performance activity.

Capacity: 1000 theatre style

Primrose Potter Salon

Cutting-edge design and an inspiring experience.

Located on the ground floor, the Primrose Potter Salon is an architecturally and acoustically rich space suitable for a variety of social functions, corporate and business-related events including receptions, cocktails and refreshments, dining, recordings, presentations, and more.

Inspired by Australian pianist/composer Percy Grainger, who believed ‘a melody is as free to roam through tonal space as a painter is free to draw and paint free lines’, the Primrose Potter Salon’s diffusing timber panels display an inscription of Grainger’s 1937 graphic score Free Music No.2, inspiring musicians, guests and audiences alike.

With cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art technical facilities, the Primrose Potter Salon offers a unique and inspiring experience for all, linking writing, music and ornament.

Please note, usage of this space is subject to performance activity.

Capacity: 100 seated dining / 180 standing reception

Ground Floor Foyer

Accessible and accommodating surrounded by award-winning design.

Located on the ground floor, the Ground Floor Foyer is a large open space that provides a warm and friendly welcome to visitors. Situated in close proximity to the box office, cloakroom, foyer bars and bathrooms, the foyer can be divided into sections depending the number of guests.

The Foyer is suitable for a variety of activities and events including pre and post-concert events, social functions, musical presentations, installations, workshops, dining and more.

Please note, usage of this space is subject to performance activity.

Capacity: 400 standing

Level One Foyer 

An inviting open space with views of the Arts Precinct and city.

Featuring stunning views through the Centre’s unique ‘bubble’ glazing to the Southbank Arts Precinct and beyond, the Level 1 Foyer is an inspiring and open space with access to the stalls in Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and the Williams Room.

Flexible and modern, the Level 1 Foyer is suitable for small to medium-scale social functions, corporate events, intimate performances, workshops, installations and more.

Capacity: 80 standing / 40 seated for dining

Level Two Foyer

A colourful, light-filled space with views of the Arts Precinct and city.

The Level 2 Foyer is a vibrant, open space that features stunning views through the unique ‘bubble’ glazing of the Centre’s facade. Providing access to the circle of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, the Eva and Marc Besen Suite and foyer cocktail bar, the Level 2 Foyer is versatile space, suitable for small and medium-sized roving performances, presentations, workshops, installations, cocktail receptions, refreshments and more.

The Level 2 Foyer is also home to the striking Dulka Warngiid tapestry which was commissioned by The Hugh Williamson Foundation and the Centre’s Founding Patron, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE.

Capacity: 150 standing

Williams Room

Located on Level 1, the Williams Room is conveniently situated in close proximity to the stalls of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall and provides a sophisticated and intimate reception, meeting, workshop, performance or break-out space.

Comprising an accessible, outdoor balcony which overlooks the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and the city, the space also features kitchen amenities as well as a private en-suite.

Named after the renowned Australian artist Fred Williams OBE, the Williams Room is also home to a selection of the artist’s iconic lithographs from 1976-78, kindly donated by the artist’s wife and Melbourne Recital Centre patron, Lyn Williams AM.

Capacity: 20 standing / 10 seated

Eva and Marc Besen Suite 

Located on Level 2, the Eva and Marc Besen Suite is an impressive space featuring contemporary decor and built-in AV and conferencing facilities. The Eva and Marc Besen Suite’s open plan layout makes it an adaptable space, suitable for workshops, intimate performances, meetings, social functions and more.

In keeping with its open plan layout, the Eva and Marc Besen Suite can accommodate medium and larger-sized groups for social functions, workshops, break-out sessions and corporate events, with stunning views of the Arts precinct and city as an inspiring backdrop.

Capacity: 20 seated (meeting) / 70 standing