A building with a sun-shaped neon light atop, displaying the word
Interior seating of a theater with rows of leather seats and decorative art deco walls illuminated by warm lighting.
A theatre building with the word

Sun Theatre

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Architect/Designer: Cowper, Murphy and Appleford 1938

Description

Built in 1938, The Sun took only six months to construct by the firm Hansen and Yuncken Pty Ltd for £25,000. The Sun Theatre was acquired in 1965 by CMP under whose management the theatre would operate as a Greek-language cinema until its closure in 1982.

It became derelict over the next twenty years until the current owners purchased it in 1995. It was in a sad state, a mecca for white ants and with a roof so leaky that the plaster ceiling caved in on the seats.

The new owners began one of Melbourne’s most popular film societies from 1998 to 2003 which encouraged everyone to help bring The Sun back to glory. The large auditorium has been carefully and respectfully divided into four cinemas, and another four cinemas have been added over several years.

When it originally opened in 1938, The Sun was a single-screen, 1,050-seat cinema and the most luxurious in the area. Today it has eight boutique art deco inspired cinemas ranging in size from 200 seats down to 23 couches and variations in between, screening new release and art house films from Hollywood, Australia and around the world.

What's On

Join a walking tour of the cinema and view the 70mm projector. Our guide will provide historical information. The tour will end with a few history newsreels.

Images: (1-3) Sun Theatre. All photos: courtesy Sun Theatre.

Important Details

Tour/event summary information

Saturday 25 July
Tours run 8am + 8.45am
Running for 30 minutes in groups of 20

Bookings

Bookings required—$7 booking fee applies
First release tickets: 12pm Wednesday 1 July
Second release tickets: 10am Saturday 4 July

Book

Accessibility

Ramp or level (step free) entry, Lift access to all public levels, Accessible bathrooms, Accessible parking, All ages

All areas are accessible apart from the 70mm projection room, which does no have accessible access for wheelchairs or walkers.

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