Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt Street,
Melbourne, Victoria
3006 Australia

Details

Where Live Music Lives

Intimate and acoustically superb, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall features exquisite architectural design and world class technical facilities. Drawing influence from the traditional box shape of European concert halls, it is lined with plywood panels of Australian plantation Hoop Pine timber, designed to resemble the back of an instrument and provide greater acoustic intimacy across the auditorium.

Comprising a raked stalls level, circle, distinctive split-level balconies and a stepped platform ceiling, the platform acoustics enrich the strength, clarity and blending of instruments as well as the communication between ensemble players on stage.

A brilliant marriage of the classical and the progressive, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall is the perfect music venue for small and medium-sized ensembles, orchestras, solo artists, choral works as well as performances of the spoken word.

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

For more information, download the technical specifications, acoustic and architectural specifications and seating map or make an enquiry today.

Capacity: 1000 seats

Accessibility

We are committed to Universal Access

To help you make the most of your experience with us, we have created a range of access resources. These include videos, social scripts, venue maps and podcasts to assist patrons in familiarising themselves with the Centre before arrival and during their visit. Click here for more information.

Stalls – Level 1

The front three rows of the Stalls [AA – CC] are removed when the orchestra pit or stage extension is in use. Row AA to row B are level to the ground. From row C, the seating gently rakes upwards to row K, then is stepped to row U, which is level with entry Doors 2 & 3. Rows R-U are underneath the Circle level. The height of the stage from the floor of the stalls is approximately one metre.

Circle & Wings – Level 2

The Circle has a central body of seats stepped upwards from row A. Row A is level with entry Doors 5 & 6. The side sections of the Circle, known as the East and West Wings respectively, have a lower and an upper level on each side. The front row of the Circle sits above row R of the Stalls. In the Upper Wings, seats 11 – 15 are level with entry Doors 5 & 6.

Hearing Loop

Hearing impaired patrons may access our hearing loop. Please switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position to access this service. If you are unsure of how to best use your hearing aid whilst at the Centre, please speak to a member of staff for assistance. The hearing loop is available in the Stalls of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall only.

Easy Access Seating & Wheelchair Spaces

For the convenience of patrons who have restricted mobility but do not require the use of a wheelchair, Melbourne Recital Centre has identified locations within the auditorium where patrons do not need to use stairs to reach their seats. These seats are located in row U of the Stalls, row A of the Circle, and seats 11-15 of both upper wings. Accessible seating in the wings are also wider and have articulated, raising arm-rests.

Wheelchair accessible spaces are located in Stalls Row U and the Upper East Wing, all with Companion seating available. All seating and wheelchair spaces can be booked through all sales channels, including through this website.

Lifts & Escalators

Lift access is available to all foyer levels of the building and all backstage areas (except the Orchestra Pit). Escalator access is also available between Ground Level and foyer Level 1.

Accessible Toilets

There are accessible toilets located on all foyer levels and backstage areas of the Centre. Please ask our venue staff for assistance in locating the one nearest to your seating or working location.

Signage

Key service signs in the venue are also presented in Braille.

How To Get Here

Taxis

The Sturt Street entrance of the Centre is the safest place for taxis to pick up and drop off. Our team can assist in calling a taxi for you.

Public Transport

Metlink Melbourne provides extensive information about public transport services including timetables and routes. You can contact them at metlinkmelbourne.com.au and 131 638.

Trams

The nearest tram stop is Stop 17 (Route 1), located directly outside the Centre on Sturt St. This is a platform tram stop providing level access to low floor trams, passenger shelter and protection from traffic. Melbourne Recital Centre is a short walk down Southbank Boulevard (approximately 200 metres).

You can also take routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 or 72 and alight at Stop 16, outside the National Gallery of Victoria and walk to the Centre via Southbank Boulevard.

Train

The nearest station is Flinders Street, located approximately 10 minutes walk from the Centre.

Parking

You can choose from a variety of conveniently located car parks when attending events at the Centre. The two closest car parks are:

Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park (enter from Kavanagh Street) – 150 metres north along Sturt Street (p: 03 9281 8012)
The Australian Ballet Centre Car Park (2 Kavanagh Street) – 150 metres north along Sturt Street, then left into Kavanagh Street

Parking for people with a disability is available in both Sturt Street and Dodds Steet, and also available at all major car parks in the vicinity, including Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park and The Australian Ballet Centre Car Park.