Malthouse Theatre

Malthouse Theatre is a contemporary performing arts company and venue located at 113 Sturt Street in Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria. Housed in the heritage-listed former Carlton and United Breweries malt house built in 1892, it operates two main theatres, the Merlyn and Beckett. Known for innovative Australian and international productions, it is a key part of Melbourne's Arts Precinct and presents theatre, dance and interdisciplinary works year-round.

Visitors can expect a heritage industrial brick building converted into a contemporary theatre complex with two main performance spaces, the 500-seat Merlyn Theatre and the 175-seat Beckett Theatre, plus an outdoor courtyard and forecourt. The setting is within Melbourne's Arts Precinct in Southbank, surrounded by galleries and parkland. Inside, visitors find foyer bars, a cafe, and exhibition spaces. The experience centres on ticketed live performances including contemporary theatre, dance and interdisciplinary works, with pre-show and interval bar service.

The building was constructed in 1892 as a malt house for Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) and is heritage-listed for its industrial brewing history. After brewing operations ceased, it was converted in 1990 into a theatre complex to house the Playbox Theatre Company, which later became Malthouse Theatre. The conversion retained the original brick industrial character while creating contemporary performance spaces.

Malthouse Theatre is one of Australia's leading contemporary theatre companies, recognised for commissioning and presenting innovative Australian writing, interdisciplinary works and international collaborations. It plays a central role in Melbourne's Arts Precinct cultural landscape alongside ACCA and other institutions, supporting emerging and established artists.