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Hire a space at Hawthorn Arts Centre

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About Hawthorn Arts Centre

Hawthorn Arts Centre is the flagship destination for cultural and civic celebrations for the City of Boroondara.

It is an ideal venue for a range of events, with its diverse spaces for hire and intriguing mix of contemporary and traditional design.

Hawthorn Arts Centre offers:

  • flexible function spaces
  • meeting rooms
  • display spaces
  • audio-visual facilities
  • a ticketing and box office service
  • professional on-site event support staff
  • catering services.

All public areas of the Hawthorn Arts Centre are fully wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the centre, visit our Hawthorn Arts Centre page. 

Spaces for hire

Main Hall

A large function room at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for weddings, trade exhibitions and performances.
The spacious auditorium's interior includes a stage. Rows of chairs are set up in the main floor. There is a balcony on the right side and a large stage with red curtains at the far end. The room has ornate architectural details and is lit with chandeliers.

Chandelier Room

A meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for both meetings, music performances and exhibitions.
An interior view of a large room set up for an event. Rows of chairs face the back of the room, where a raised platform is centered. The ceiling is ornately decorated with square recessed panels and gold trim and chandeliers Tall windows line one side of the room, draped with dark curtains. The floor is covered with a patterned carpet.

The Chamber

A small meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and small workshops.
A large room with with long tables arranged in a U-shape. The room features dark wood ceiling, hanging lantern-style lights, and patterned carpet.

The Zelman Room

An elegant function room at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and functions.
A conference room is set up with round tables covered in white cloths, each surrounded by chairs with blue patterned upholstery. There are large, arched windows with dark curtains along one side of the room. The ceiling features recessed lighting and a projector. The floor is covered with a patterned carpet.

Mayor's Room

A meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and training.
A meeting room featuring rows of wooden chairs with gray fabric seats, arranged in front of a large, wall-mounted television. Two windows flank the screen, draped with dark curtains. An ornate fireplace and mirror are visible to the left. The room has detailed ceiling molding and a chandelier.

John Beswicke room

A small meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and small workshops.
A meeting room with a large table with 12 chairs. A table with a kettle and cups is in the back corner.

Edward C Rigby room

A small meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and includes access to a kitchenette.
A long rectangular wooden table is surrounded by blue patterned chairs in the meeting room. A large screen is mounted on the wall at one end of the table.

Dora Wilson room

A small meeting space at the grand Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable for meetings and small workshops.
A meeting room featuring a long rectangular wooden table with 10 chairs. A TV sits on the far wall. There are tall windows and patterned carpet.

Community Arts Space

A for-hire space at Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable to use as a performance space, rehearsal space or for craft classes.
Wide shot of an empty event space with a high, angled wooden ceiling supported by exposed beams. Dark gray carpet covers the floor. A wall of windows is on the left, and another wall of windows with dark blinds is on the right. Black curtains are draped on the far wall, with a large flat-screen TV in front.

The Basement

A for-hire space at Hawthorn Arts Centre suitable to use as a performance space, rehearsal space or for craft classes.
A small event space with rows of red folding chairs facing a black curtained stage. The walls are wood paneled and there are lighting fixtures and speakers mounted on black tracks on the ceiling.
Book a space at HAC

Hire fees

All Hawthorn Arts Centre bookings are for a minimum of 3 hours, unless otherwise noted. 

Fees don't include staffing or catering.

We offer subsidised rates to groups that meet the following criteria:

  • not-for-profit community groups
  • located within the City of Boroondara
  • 75% or greater membership is made up of Boroondara residents.

Performance and large function spaces

Venue name and descriptionFull rate per hour – Mon to ThurFull rate per hour – Fri to SunCommunity rate per hour – Mon to ThurCommunity rate per hour – Fri to Sun

Main Hall

Accommodates up to 600 people. Includes a large stage and two dressing rooms. Ideal for performances, presentations, gala dinners and weddings.

$265$435$132.50$217.50

Chandelier Room

Accommodates up to 180 people, An elegantly refurbished space with natural light and AV facilities.

$189$330$94.50$165

Medium function and meeting spaces

Venue name and descriptionFull rate per hour – Mon to ThurFull rate per hour – Fri to SunCommunity rate per hour – Mon to ThurCommunity rate per hour – Fri to Sun

Mayor’s Room

Space for up to 60 people. Features an outdoor portico. This was once the mayor's private room.

$76$92$38$46

The Chamber

Space for up to 60 people. Suitable for meetings, functions, training sessions or an intimate wedding ceremony. Historically used as the Council Chambers.

$76$92$19$23

Zelman Room

Space for up to 120 people. Overlooks the Main Hall. Direct access to balcony seating. Perfect for a pre-performance function, meetings, training sessions or as a breakout space.

$76$92$38$46

Edward C. Rigby Room

Located on the first floor with space for up to 40 people. Contemporary architectural features. Ideal for meetings, training sessions or as a breakout space. There is the option to self-cater and access to a community kitchen.

$49$52$12.50$13

Community Arts Space

A studio space with wet areas and washing facilities for classes and workshops for up to 50 people, or as a theatre space for 120.

$76$92$38$46
Basement Performance and Rehearsal Space

$62 per hour

$400 per day

$2,120 per week

$78 per hour

$472 per day

$2,120 per week

$15.50 per hour

$100 per day

$530 per week 

$19.50 per hour

$118 per day

$530 per week

Intimate meeting spaces

Venue name and description  Full rate per hour – Mon to Thur Full rate per hour – Fri to Sun Community rate per hour – Mon to ThurCommunity rate per hour – Fri to Sun

Dora Wilson Room

Suitable for meetings or as a breakout space for up to 12 people.

$33$37$8.50$9.50

John Beswicke Room

Suitable for meetings or as a breakout space for up to 12 people.

$33$37$8.50$9.50

Weddings at Hawthorn Arts Centre

Celebrate your special day in style at Hawthorn Arts Centre. This historic building provides the perfect backdrop for traditional and contemporary weddings.

Centrally located in the leafy surrounds of Hawthorn, the centre combines an intriguing mix of historic architecture and modern design features across a range of versatile spaces. Boasting a range of unique rooms and an outdoor terrace for beautiful ceremonies and breathtaking receptions, Hawthorn Arts Centre has the perfect space to suit your personal style.

From intimate cocktail parties through to large, lavish dinners, Hawthorn Arts Centre’s unique function spaces provide ultimate flexibility for wedding planners to create their dream wedding.

Wedding planning services

Enjoy stress-free planning in the lead up to your special day with our experienced team of wedding planners. This team of passionate wedding professionals have been creating magical moments for couples across Australia for many years.

When it comes to wedding food, you want a team of experts who’ve taken care of hundreds of Melbourne weddings. Essential Catering and Events deliver dream weddings at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. With a range of flexible and affordable catering options and extensive experience, they can help make your special day a memorable one. Find out more on our Catering page.

Corporate events at Hawthorn Arts Centre  

Elevate your business events at Hawthorn Arts Centre. Hawthorn Arts Centre is the perfect venue choice for corporate events of all shapes and sizes. The centre is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Melbourne's CBD, is situated close to public transport and has parking onsite.

From large conferences and gala dinners in the Main Hall (seating 300 or 450 cocktail style), through to small meetings and workshops, the Hawthorn Arts Centre has the ideal space.

There are 10 unique rooms and spaces for a variety of events such as:

  • conferences
  • meetings
  • seminars
  • banquet dinners
  • cocktail parties.

The outdoor balcony area on the first level of the venue looks towards the Melbourne city skyline. It's ideal for pre-dinner drinks or as a conference break out area for your delegates to unwind.

Hawthorn Arts Centre also has large foyer spaces that can be used for:

  • product launches
  • exhibitions
  • conference registration
  • break out spaces.

Our exclusive caterer, Essential Catering and Events, has an extensive range of corporate, office and event catering options to suit any event. Find out more on our Catering page. 

Event services

Catering

Essential Catering and Events are our catering supplier at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. With extensive experience and amazing food, they are the perfect team to take care of your every need for your upcoming event.

You can find out more about what they offer and see their packages and menus on our Catering page.

Ticketing services

We provide a full box office and ticketing service for all performance-style events. Patrons can buy tickets online, over the phone or in person. Workshop-style events may not be required to use this service.

There is a fee for ticketing services.

Marketing and promotional services

We offer complementary marketing and promotional services if you are presenting medium to large events at the centre. This includes:

  • displays on our digital screens
  • flyer display
  • website listing.

We also have tables to display merchandise related to your event or performance.

Support staff

You can hire a supervising technician, front of house and duty manager, box office staff and event staff.

More information

For more information about hiring a space at the Hawthorn Arts Centre contact us at [email protected]u or on (03) 9278 4770. 

Download

  Hawthorn Arts Centre venue hiring guide 2025-26
7.26 MB [PDF] 10 September 2025
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Join a youth program

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If you’re 10 to 25 years old and live, work or study in the City of Boroondara, we have a range of youth programs you can get involved in.

Our youth programs are a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends, learn new skills and connect with the community.

Please note that some programs are only open for registration at certain times of the year. You can check back on this page to see when registrations open. You can also sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with when registrations open, as well as other relevant events and information.

If you would like more information about any of our programs, you can email us at [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4608.

Young woman holding a P plate next to older man and in front of a car
Learner Driver program
In the kitchen
A boy and girl stand outside the Gallery of Young Art
Gallery of Young Art
Group of young people sitting around a table while listening to a man speaking at the front of the room.
Youth Voice meeting

Creative and performing arts

Life skills

Youth leadership

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Visit and contact our Youth Hub

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2 kids stand with arms around each other's shoulders
A boy and girl stand outside the Gallery of Young Art
A young person playing table tennis at the youth hub.

There’s lots to do at the Hub, including Nintendo Switch gaming, pool, table tennis, board games, a mini library, a music room (the studio) and a computer lab. You can also use our free Wi-Fi, catch up on your study, just hang out, or get some support and advice from our experienced youth team. Various youth programs also run out of the Hub.

The Youth Hub is for young people aged 10 to 25. Parents and carers are also welcome to visit and discuss any concerns they may have about a young person in their care.

For more information when you arrive at the Youth Hub, look for one of our friendly youth workers wearing a City of Boroondara lanyard and name tag. 

Opening hours and location

The Boroondara Youth Hub is located at Level 1, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn. We are in the same building as the Hawthorn Arts Centre, but have a separate entrance. To access the Hub, enter via the side of the building (as pictured), through the glass sliding door and up the rainbow stairs. Headspace Hawthorn is also located on Level 1, next to the Youth Hub. 

Come and hang out with us:

  • 12 pm (midday) to 6 pm, Monday to Friday
  • 10 am to 6 pm during school holidays, Monday to Friday.

You can explore the Youth Hub virtually using the 3D map of the Hub in the Location details section on this page.

The outside of a building, with signs to Boroondara Youth out the front.
Entrance to Boroondara Youth Hub. A glass sliding door.
Entrance to Boroondara Youth Hub. A glass sliding door.

Accessibility and visiting the Youth Hub

To assist people of all abilities accessing our Hub, visitors can read our Access Key document below. This contains information on:

  • how to get to the Hub
  • the Hub's layout
  • how to identify youth workers
  • where the toilets are and their environmental specifications
  • programs running at the Hub
  • the experiences and accessible offerings available.

We also have our Social Story document below, which aims to assist visitors who may have:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • specific language disorders
  • social communication difficulties
  • cognitive delays and disability. 

It provides a clear explanation and description of visiting the Hub, so you know what to expect. 

Download our Access Key and Social Story

  Access Key - Boroondara Youth Hub
19.83 MB [PDF] 18 April 2024
  Social story - Boroondara Youth Hub
10 MB [PDF] 16 March 2023

Contact us

For more information about the Hub, email [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4608. 

To learn more about us and what's happening at the Hub:

You can also contact our team to talk through your personal situation on (03) 9278 4608 between 10 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday. If you prefer to have a youth worker contact you, then you can complete our Support and referral form.

Contacting our team is a free service. All calls and correspondence are confidential and handled by our experienced youth workers.

Location details

Getting to the Youth Hub

Train

Glenferrie Station (250 m away) Serviced by the Alamein, Belgrave​ and Lilydale lines.

Tram

Route 16 tram stop at Burwood Road and Glenferrie Road (approx. 25m away)

Bus

Routes 302, 304, 624 Nearest stop on Auburn Road (approx. 1 km away)

Parking

The most convenient parking is in the car park behind the Hawthorn Arts Centre in James Street. 

Two accessible parking bays are located 55 metres from the entrance to Hawthorn Arts Centre.

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