Description

Built in 1890, the Dandenong Town Hall is a superb example of a Victorian 19th century town hall. It was designed by Beswicke and Hutchins, whose other credits include the Brighton, Malvern, Essendon and Hawthorn town halls.

In 2006, the site was redeveloped into the 521-seat Drum Theatre, designed by William Ross Architects. The redevelopment included the refurbishment of the historic Mechanics Hall building as the theatre’s entry, foyer, bar, functions and administration facilities. The repurposed town hall sits behind the original façade as a distinctive reminder of its history, with a glazed internal atrium that celebrates both the old and new buildings. The theatre is expressed as a dramatic, modern ‘drum’ that envelopes the auditorium, foyer amenities and fly tower as a single, strongly coloured form.

As an anchor for civic vibrancy and an attractor of audiences that include Dandenong’s diverse communities, Drum Theatre is well situated to build engagement with the performing arts for the City of Greater Dandenong’s citizens and the residents in Melbourne’s south east.

The Dandenong Town Hall and Drum Theatre is an outstanding marriage of old and new architecture, which provides a sense of place in Greater Dandenong.

What's On

Heritage tours highlighting the stories and features of the heritage elements of the building (presented by the Dandenong & District Historical Society). Venue and backstage tours of the features of the theatre building including backstage (presented by Drum Theatre).