About the State Theatre

As you wait for some grand opera, ballet or musical theatre production to commence on one of the largest stages in the world, sit and relax in one of two thousand comfy seats in the State Theatre and tilt your head back a little to take in the amazing ceiling and its 75,000 tiny brass cups.

The State Theatre is home to two of our fabulous resident companies: The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia.

Keeping the show you’re about to see a tantalising mystery is the ‘stately’, majestic, famous curtain, designed by Graham Bennett, emblazoned with hand-painted Victorian wildflowers, the state’s Coat of Arms and an outspread lyrebird’s tail. The curtain was donated by the former State Bank of Victoria when the theatre opened in 1984.

Hiding behind the curtain is a huge stage that’s equivalent to the floor space of eight suburban homes.

Before the lights go down, try counting those 75,000 tiny brass cups decorating the ceiling. Each one is drilled with several holes to ensure the fire sprinklers hidden behind them are in excellent working order!

Downloadable documents