New Beacon Lights Up Melbourne Recital Centre

Labor is backing music lovers by officially opening a striking new performance venue at Melbourne Recital Centre. The Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon transforms a hidden space atop the Centre's Southbank building into a cabaret-style venue. Labor invested $1m in the project, matched by a $1m philanthropic donation from Peter and Ruth McMullin.

The Beacon will host cabaret, contemporary music, jazz, musical theatre and First Nations performances. Designed by the Melbourne Recital Centre’s original architects, the space will bring audiences of all ages closer to artists than ever before. The venue features a new artwork by First Nations artist and musician Dr Lou Bennett AM, bringing her music ‘Look Above’ to life.

The Beacon will open to the public on Thursday, 17 September with an inaugural program. Tickets go on sale at 11am today at melbournerecital.com.au/beacon Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward “This transformational project opens up new opportunities for artists and audiences to have an experience you can’t get anywhere else. A shared experience that tells you are in Melbourne, in our iconic Arts Precinct, and Australia’s cultural capital.” “I thank Peter and Ruth McMullin for their generosity which has helped create this stunning venue” Quote attributable to Melbourne Recital Centre CEO Sandra Willis “The Beacon brings people even closer to exceptional music and extraordinary artists, in an entirely new setting.” Quotes attributable to Peter McMullin AM “Live music has been a source of connection and inspiration throughout Ruth and I’s lives." “We wanted to help Melbourne Recital Centre create more opportunities for artists and reach audiences in new ways and continue the vital role it plays within Melbourne’s musical ecology.” 260826 - New Beacon Lights Up Melbourne Recital Centre PDF 309.44 KB (opens in a new window)