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That's Built · Building report

Athenaeum Library and Theatre

184-192 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Generated 8 November 2026
Commercial · Performances, Conferences, Ceremonies
—height
4floors
1885completed
5businesses
2permits

Development milestones

Completed1885Athenaeum Library and Theatre completed: 4 floors

Building team

Architect
Smith & Johnson
Architect
Alfred Smith
Builder
Turnbull and Dick
Architect
Henry Eli White
Building manager
A.T. Management Pty Ltd
Building manager
Melbourne Athenaeum

Planning & subdivision

Zone
CCZ1
Overlays
DDO1, DDO2, DDO2-A9, HO504, HO587, PO1
Scores
🚆 10 · ☕ 7 · 🌳 8 · ✨ 10

Timeline

20231 building permit · about $112k of new works
Largest: Shop 2 Nudie Jeans - Proposed alterations to existing shop.
2014Council census records it as performances, conferences, ceremonies, 4 floors
Name recorded: Athenaeum Library and Theatre
20101 building permit · about $720k of new works
Largest: Structural works to orchestra pit and walkway
2009Council census records it as performances, conferences, ceremonies, 4 floors
Name recorded: ATHENAEUM LIBRARY AND THEATRE
2002First council census entry: performances, conferences, ceremonies, 4 floors
20001 certificate · about $190 of new works
Largest: proposed installation of alarm signalling equipment
1888The site on Mahlstedt's fire insurance plans
See what stood here in 1888, further down this page.
1885Athenaeum Library and Theatre completed: 4 floors
Derived from Wikipedia

Building permits and certificates (3)

Each cost is the estimate on that record. Stages of a project often repeat its full value, so these don't add up to what was spent.

03 Mar 2023Shop 2 Nudie Jeans - Proposed alterations to existing shop.$112k
01 Feb 2010Structural works to orchestra pit and walkway$720k
04 Sept 2000proposed installation of alarm signalling equipment$190

Questions and answers

Is Athenaeum Library and Theatre residential or commercial?
Athenaeum Library and Theatre is a commercial building. The City of Melbourne lists its main use as performances, conferences, ceremonies.

When was Athenaeum Library and Theatre built?
Athenaeum Library and Theatre was completed in 1885.

How many floors does Athenaeum Library and Theatre have?
Athenaeum Library and Theatre has 4 floors above ground.

What businesses are in Athenaeum Library and Theatre?
The latest council census counted 5 businesses in Athenaeum Library and Theatre, including Athenaeum Theatre, Bistrot d'Orsay and H & H Jewellery.

Is there office or retail space for lease in Athenaeum Library and Theatre?
See the commercial listings on this page, or search this address on realcommercial.com.au and commercialrealestate.com.au.

Who designed and built Athenaeum Library and Theatre?
Alfred Smith designed Athenaeum Library and Theatre and Turnbull and Dick built it. The building team section has the sources.

What public transport is near Athenaeum Library and Theatre?
Town Hall Station is the nearest train station, about 2 minutes' walk. The nearest tram stop is Collins St/Swanston St #11, about 1 minute's walk.

What is the planning zone for Athenaeum Library and Theatre?
The site is in the Capital City Zone - Schedule 1 (CCZ1). It's also under a Heritage Overlay (HO504).

Has any work been done on Athenaeum Library and Theatre recently?
The City of Melbourne has issued 2 building permits for Athenaeum Library and Theatre since 2010. The most recent was in March 2023.

Sources: City of Melbourne building permits (CC BY 4.0); CLUE building information (CC BY 4.0); CLUE business establishments (CC BY 4.0); Geocoded National Address File (G-NAF) (Open G-NAF EULA (CC BY 4.0 based)). General information from public records, not legal, financial or building advice.

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