Princess Theatre

Grand Victorian theatre reputedly haunted since 1888

Address 163 Spring Street

The Princess Theatre on Spring Street is one of the most beautiful buildings in Melbourne. The French Second Empire facade, with its mansard roof, ornate ironwork, and elaborate plasterwork, dominates the top of the CBD's eastern edge. The theatre opened in 1854 and was rebuilt in its current Victorian form in 1886, making it one of the grandest surviving Victorian theatres in the world.

Inside, the auditorium retains much of its original ornate decoration — painted ceilings, gilt plasterwork, and the distinctive centre-dome chandelier. The Princess stages major touring productions, particularly musicals: Les Misérables had its Australian premiere here, as have many of the blockbuster shows that cycle through Melbourne. Even if you are not attending a performance, the Spring Street precinct is worth a walk — the Parliament of Victoria, the Windsor Hotel, and the Old Treasury Building are all within a short stroll.

things to do cbd landmark architecture
A story
On the opening night of Faust in 1888, the baritone Frederick Federici performed the role of Mephistopheles. After descending through a trap door in the dramatic final scene — a hellish sinking into the stage — he was found dead below the stage, having suffered a heart attack mid-descent. That night, his colleagues reportedly saw him in the foyer after the performance, bowing to the audience. Theatre staff have set aside a reserved seat for him on opening nights ever since.

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