Generous City Weekend Program Live – first release tickets available Wednesday 1 July
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Clocktower Centre building from high view, with plants in foreground.
Clocktower Centre building at night. Cars in foreground are moving, and lights of building are luminescent.
Old picture of Essendon Town Hall with horse and carriage parked out the front and a gathering of people in top hats standing on the street in the foreground of the image.
Clocktower Centre building from the corner of Mt Alexander Rd opposite the Moonee Ponds Junction. The 2019 posters are in the foreground and the clock tower is to the left.
An auditorium with a red curtain on the stage lit by a circular light. The seats are filled with audience members.

Clocktower Centre

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Architect/Designer: J. J. Clark, Architects Wilson & Beswicke 1880

Description

The Clocktower Centre is Moonee Valley’s premier performing arts venue, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds. Housed within the heritage-listed former Essendon Town Hall (c. 1879–1886), the building blends historic architecture with contemporary theatre facilities.

Originally built as a Mechanics’ Institute before becoming the Essendon Town Hall, the building’s distinctive clock tower has long been a local landmark. Today, the restored façade and period details sit alongside a modern 500-seat theatre, flexible studio spaces and welcoming foyer areas.

The Centre presents a diverse year-round program of theatre, music, comedy, cabaret and community events, alongside workshops and creative experiences. With its rich history and vibrant cultural program, the Clocktower Centre is a place where heritage and creativity meet.

What's On

Take a walking tour through the Clocktower Centre with a dedicated team! Learn the history, and see behind the curtain in this special experience only offered during Open House Melbourne.

Children's Activities

Our children's space and café will be open all weekend long. Come in and check out our toys supplied by Moonee Valley Toy Library!

Images: (1) Clocktower Centre in 2016. (2) Clocktower Centre at night. (3) Essendon Town Hall. (4) Clocktower Centre 2019. (5) Auditorium ready for the show! All photos: courtesy Clocktower Centre.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Friday 24 July
Open access 8am-3pm

Saturday 25 July + Sunday 26 July
Open access 9am-3pm
Tours run 10am, 10.45am, 11.15am, 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm + 2.15pm
Running for 45 minutes in groups of 40

Bookings

No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting Point

Meet for tours in the foyer of the Clocktower Centre

Accessibility

Lift access to all public levels, Accessible bathrooms, All-gender bathrooms, Parent's Room, Ramp or level (step free) entry, Assistance animals welcome, Level access tram stop, All ages

Accessible parking can be found across the road on Mt Alexander Rd, with level access tram stop also across the road. The entry is step free and all levels are accessible via a lift.

Explore Site Accessibility

Location

750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country

Plan Your Visit

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Open House Melbourne acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies where we work and program and pay respect to Elders past and present. Given our focus on the urban environment, we recognise and honour the knowledge, stories and care that have shaped these places for tens of thousands of years.

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