Melbourne Athenaeum

Athenaeum

The Melbourne Athenaeum
Address	188 Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria Australia
Coordinates	37°48′54″S 144°58′02″E / 37.81504°S 144.96736°E / -37.81504; 144.96736
Designation	Victorian Heritage Register, Register of Historic Buildings
Capacity	880 (theatre one)
Current use	Live theatre, comedy, library, readings
Construction
Opened	1839
Rebuilt	1885-1886
Years active	184–185
Architect	Smith & Johnson
Website
www.athenaeumtheatre.com.au

The Athenaeum or Melbourne Athenaeum at 188 Collins Street is an art and cultural hub in the central business district of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1839, it is the city's oldest cultural institution.

Its building on Collins Street in the East End Theatre District sits opposite the Regent Theatre, and currently consists of a main theatre, a smaller studio theatre, a restaurant and a subscription library. It has also served as a mechanics' institute, an art exhibition space, and a cinema.