Rod Laver Arena

Architect: Cox Architecture and Peddle Thorp Architects, 1985-1988; Cox Architecture 2014-2019

City of Melbourne | C52

Building Description

The iconic Rod Laver Arena has been one of the city’s most loved venues, built for the people of our state, to welcome many millions of Victorians and people from around the globe – to create unforgettable moments with megastars ACDC and Beyoncé, to Australian Open tennis stars Roger Federer and Serena Williams. The scene of many a first gig, first kiss, concert spectacular and nail-biting sporting win; it has facilitated major events across every genre of music and entertainment and given Victoria’s cultural fabric many moments of glory and celebration across three stellar decades. Some artists have returned so many times they’ve had a backstage room named after them (John Farnham) or captured public imagination to inspire super banners, pink auditorium doors, backstage poles/plaques and Hollywood stars in their honour! After a history of recreational use including Indigenous ceremonies, playing fields and a circus, the venue was opened in 1988 to become the centrepiece of the Australian Open. This paved the way for Melbourne to retain the Grand Slam Tournament and cement its tennis and entertainment legacy on an international scale. Coming full-circle and embarking on its next generation, 30-years later, the venue’s original Melbourne-based design firm Cox Architecture was again engaged for the venue’s phenomenal redevelopment spanning several years and set to be unveiled at the end of 2019.

What's On

Get behind-the-scenes with this special opportunity to see areas usually off-limits to the public. Lead by expert guides, hear stories from inside the venue and gain fascinating insights into how Rod Laver Arena delivers such an array of Melbourne’s biggest and best events. It will also feature a first-look at the final phase of phenomenal redevelopment ahead of its official opening.

Location