As part of Open House weekend, July 28-29, we will be open to the public on Saturday July 28 10am-4pm.
Temperance Hall – completed in 1888 – is a double-storey lodging and lecture hall. Since 2016 it has been home to one of Australia's leading dance and interdisciplinary arts companies, Phillip Adams BalletLab. Temperance Hall is a contemporary art and performance venue comprising a Main Hall, two artist studios, offices and a residential apartment. Onsite activities include performing and visual arts creation, residencies, exhibitions and performances.
The Emerald Hill Total Abstinence Society – one of the influential temperance movements that shaped social life in 19th century Melbourne – began construction of the hall in 1861. As well as the Abstinence Society, the hall was used by a large number of social clubs, political parties and societies, and hosted alcohol-free concerts, dances and performances. Anthill Theatre made the space their home in the 1980s and from that point on the building has had an association with the performing arts.
Working Heritage has managed the hall since 2012. Temperance Hall is a unique artist-led interdisciplinary complex open for visitors to explore on Saturday 28 July.
Above small images: EVER at Temperance Hall, Melbourne Festival 2017, images courtesy: Jeff Busby. Top and bottom images courtesy Gregory Lorenzutti.
OPENING HOURS
10am - 4pm Saturday July 28, 2018
Tour at 2pm, running for 45minutes
Temperance Hall, 199 Napier St South Melbourne 3205
Special Programming: 2pm Tour will feature Temperance Hall Artistic Director Phillip Adams in conversation with Working Heritage Executive Officer Ross Turnbull.