The Ian Potter Southbank Centre

Architect: John Wardle 2019, Concept Black (MCM Performance Bar)

University of Melbourne Southbank Campus | UoMS03

Building Description

The new Ian Potter Southbank Centre (IPSC) offers state-of-the-art teaching, learning, rehearsal and performance facilities in a building designed by leading architect John Wardle. It’s the $109m centerpiece of a once-in-a-generation transformation.

The IPSC has been designed as the ‘green room’ of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, celebrating the activities of rehearsal and practice. Performances will take place within, and yet it is not just a concert hall. The working interior is robust, informal and playful, created specifically to support the daily life of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Encouraging curiosity and interaction between musicians and their community, the IPSC has many large windows creating visual connections between main spaces. Porthole windows, with specialized acoustic glass, provide a glimpse into the inner workings of the rehearsal spaces, The Kenneth Myer Auditorium features a six-metre diameter oculus that generously exhibits the activities within. At any given time, looking through the oculus from outside might reveal large ensembles, orchestral rehearsals, chamber music recitals, guest lectures, or public recitals. The Kenneth Myer Auditorium accommodates a 120-piece orchestra, and a 200-seat retractable seating bank for both audiences and student lectures.

What's On

The Ian Potter Southbank Centre Pre-booked Tours
See the behind-the-scenes spaces of the new Ian Potter Southbank Centre on a hosted tour with our staff and students. Visit the hidden balconies, backstage, studios and rehearsal rooms of the new home of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Building Tours

Architecture Talk

Join Professor Alan Pert, Director, Melbourne School of Design, will lead a discussion with Kah Fai Lee (John Wardle Architects) to consider the challenges and opportunities that arose during the design and construction of The Ian Potter Southbank Centre, the new home of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Designing the Ian Potter Southbank Centre

MCM Performance bar
The MCM Performance bar will be open access the Weekend, drop in an meet the designers.

University of Melbourne Southbank Precinct Special Events
After years of transformative redevelopment projects across the campus, Open House Melbourne visitors can be amongst the first to see new, world-class spaces come to life. Spend your day visiting buildings join a series of talks, tours, exhibitions and more. Some bookings required.

Learn more

Location