Do you want to go back to a time when seeing a film at the cinema was a grand affair? Where a theatre had 2 levels, an elaborate curtain and chairs that don’t have cup holders?
Well, you can have it right here in Melbourne.
Located on trendy Chapel Street, in Windsor; the Astor Theatre established in 1936, is steeped in history even today, which makes watching a film here that much more enjoyable.
The Astor is one of my favourite places in Melbourne. So, not sharing it with you would be a dis-service to my being a Melbourne based travel writer.
The Astor houses one of the world’s last single screen cinemas, projecting 35mm prints and the now rare 70mm format in all its glory. The Astor also uses the Barco 4K Digital Projector, which is the highest quality projector of its kind in the country – so you’re experience here is better than anything of its kind.
The Astor Theatre
Presenting old classics, as well as new releases – an afternoon or night at the Astor is an enjoyable experience for young and old.
Whether it is the golden curtain, the old style chairs that seat 1150 people (that are indeed comfortable!), the way the boards creak under your feet when you stand on them; or maybe it is just the ambiance of sitting in a theatre that just smells old…one can never get tired of spending a few hours watching a film here.
The Astor Theatre Lobby
Astor Theatre Second Level Lobby
Concession Area For Dress Circle Seats
Even the lobby entrance and second story foyer take you back to another time.
It is just so grand, that rocking up in jeans and a t-shirt makes you feel under dressed.
The Astor Experience: 80s & 90s Classics
I have watched many films here over the years, which has been a dream because it meant I finally got to see my all time favourite films on the big screen. (Mainly because I wasn’t alive or was too young to enjoy them when they were initially released.) That in itself is a novelty.
On one on my most memorable visits, I was able to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and was lucky enough to meet Alan Ruck, who played Cameron Frye before the screening. Ruck even stayed and watched the film on the upper level where we were and then took part in a question and answer after the film.
Sleepless In Seattle At The Astor Theatre
I have also seen many double features over the years as well which have been a lot of fun; and most recently, on this past Valentine’s Day, I had the pleasure of watching Sleepless In Seattle with my friend Jess who loves this film as much as I do.
Over the past decade, awesome double features have kept this place an icon of Melbourne – even when there was worry it would close and be gone forever not that long ago. Personal favourites for myself and many I know include:
- Ghostbusters & Ghostbusters 2
- Home Alone & Mrs Doubtfire
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2
- Back To The Future 1, 2 and 3
- Top Gun & Days Of Thunder
- Breakfast At Tiffany’s & Roman Holiday
- Sixteen Candles & The Breakfast Club
The Astor is unlike any cinema experience you can have today. When we live in a world where technology is moving forward; it is so nice to be able to re-live a past time that existed almost a century ago and know what that felt like.
If you’re visiting Melbourne, be sure to head to Chapel Street and catch a film at the Astor.
You won’t regret it.
Astor Theatre Schedule
You can view their schedule and book tickets here or just turn up on the day.
My goal in life is to live in the past. I think I was meant to be born in a different era. Haha I love that you can see movies in this elegant setting though!! A nice change from the typical ballets and operas you find in these beautiful theaters.
It really is a stunning theatre. I love watching classics especially, as it really takes you back in time.
Wowee! I would love to visit this theatre! Darrell and I love to go to the cinemas and are always happy to pay for a more enjoyable experience. Looks like they have a good selection of films available too. Thanks for sharing!
It really is!!! You guys would love it based on your movie tastes. It really is a hidden gem in Melbourne, unless you live here of course haha!
What an incredible theater! Melbourne is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to. And those are some of my favorite movies. Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday, elegant movies for such an elegant place.
This is true! Seeing classics in a classic building makes it all that much better! It’s amazing! Hopefully you make it back here and get to experience it yourself!
Very cool!
Thanks Melina! It is ?
Spectacular! I am glad to hear there are theatres this this, I wish there were more. This reminds me of the grand theatre where I watched Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi when they originally premiered. Sadly, that theatre was demolished years ago, now I want to come visit Astor!
You definitely should! It is so nice to have history right in your backyard and to see such classics on the big screen. I hope you make it here!
Thanks for the tip! I love Melbourne and I love going to the movies, so I will definitely go here the next time I’m in Melbourne. Also, I would be so excited to meet “Cameron Frye”. I love that movie.
Haha. Yes I live for my movies. Ferris is an awesome film. Seeing an 80s film here is just awesome!
That theatre is stunning! It would make any movie an elegant experience. They are in the process of restoring the old movie houses here in Los Angeles, and I love looking at all the details (like those shown in your photos). Gorgeous!
It really is!! I love it here and if you make it to Melbourne you must stop by! It takes you back in time for sure.