Melbourne Recital Centre opens new Beacon music venue

The Melbourne Recital Centre has launched the Peter and Ruth McMullin Beacon, a new intimate live music and events venue located on the building's uppermost level. The project transformed a former storage space into a performance area featuring floor-to-ceiling views of the Melbourne skyline and the Arts Precinct.

The $2 million development was funded by a $1 million investment from the Victorian government, matched by a $1 million philanthropic donation from Ruth and Peter McMullin AM. ARM Architecture, the firm responsible for the original building, designed the new space.

The venue's inaugural program begins on 17 September and runs through November, featuring a variety of genres including jazz, cabaret, contemporary music, and First Nations-led performances. The opening lineup includes international cabaret artist Meow Meow.