The Old Theatre Royal & Masonic Museum
Australia's oldest theatre, now a versatile venue with a Masonic Museum, offering tours and performances.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Daytime tours offer full access
The Old Theatre Royal & Masonic Museum
Best Time
Daytime tours offer full access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Australia's oldest theatre, now a versatile venue with a Masonic Museum, offering tours and performances.
"Marvelous place with lots and lots of fascinating history and great people!"
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for a fascinating journey through history. Walk-ins might be possible, but booking is safer.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Guides
The hosts are often praised for their engaging tours and willingness to share insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Theatre Royal
Main Auditorium
Step back in time in Australia's oldest working theatre, a space that has hosted countless performances.
Masonic Museum Treasures
Masonic Lodge Rooms
Discover intriguing artifacts and learn about the history and rituals of Freemasonry.
Architectural Evolution
Throughout the Building
Witness the building's transformation from theatre to church to its current Masonic hall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Multitasking Venue
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for a fascinating journey through history. Walk-ins might be possible, but booking is safer.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Guides
The hosts are often praised for their engaging tours and willingness to share insights.
Visiting the Museum of Freemasonry and Freemason's Hall in London
🖐️ Touch Most Things!
Many visitors enjoy the hands-on experience, getting to interact with the historical elements.
🎭 Multipurpose Venue
It's not just a theatre; it's also a former church and a Masonic hall. Expect a diverse experience.
Coming to see a show at Masonic Temple soon, looking for tips
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your spot for a fascinating journey through history. Walk-ins might be possible, but booking is safer.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Guides
The hosts are often praised for their engaging tours and willingness to share insights.
🖐️ Touch Most Things!
Many visitors enjoy the hands-on experience, getting to interact with the historical elements.
🎭 Multipurpose Venue
It's not just a theatre; it's also a former church and a Masonic hall. Expect a diverse experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently find The Old Theatre Royal & Masonic Museum to be a fascinating and worthwhile experience, praising its rich history and the engaging nature of the guided tours. The building's unique evolution from a theatre to a church and now a Masonic hall is a major draw, with many appreciating the hands-on approach of the knowledgeable guides.
"I visited here on a Saturday afternoon tour.
It was so interesting and varied. Including information about the history of the building from theatre to chapel to the current masonic lodge."
Dawn-M Angel
"I'm a bit late leaving this review, having visited the Old Theatre Royal on 1st July. I wasn't even aware of this building until I saw it mentioned in a Bath tourist booklet and decided to book a tour. You can book a tour online or just turn up on the day.
The building started off as the Theatre Royal, was then used as a Catholic Church and is now a Masonic Hall.
I found the tour really interesting and was glad that I'd seen the advert for it. A big thank you to the person, whose name I've forgotten (sorry) who gave the tour."
Lynn B
"Was this masonic hall really the old Theatre Royal? Goodness. It was comfortable enough for the single stand-up performer we went to see. A small bar had been set up and plenty of room. Interesting multitasking venue."
Ian Ferris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Theatre Royal & Masonic Museum is located in Hobart. Public transport options are available, and it's often walkable from central accommodation. If driving, consider parking at nearby facilities as street parking can be limited.
While street parking might be available, it can be scarce. Some Reddit users suggest parking at Motorcity Casino and walking, as it's a short distance and potentially free.
The theatre is centrally located, making it easy to combine your visit with exploring other Hobart attractions on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book your tour online in advance through their official website. While walk-ins might be possible on the day, booking ahead is recommended to guarantee your spot.
Opening hours can vary depending on whether you are attending a tour or a performance. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date tour times and event schedules.
Yes, ticket prices will differ for guided tours and for attending specific theatre performances or events. Check the venue's ticketing page for details.
While it might be possible to join a tour on the day if space is available, booking online is the most reliable way to ensure you don't miss out.
Information on accessibility for tours and performances should be available on the venue's website. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours offer a comprehensive look at the building's history, from its origins as Australia's oldest theatre to its time as a church and its current role as a Masonic hall. You'll learn about its architecture and the stories behind its transformations.
Many visitors report a hands-on experience where they are allowed to touch many of the historical elements, which adds to the immersive nature of the tour.
The venue hosts a variety of performances, including theatre productions, stand-up comedy, and other artistic events. They also offer workshops for children during school holidays.
Tour durations can vary, but generally, they provide a thorough exploration of the building's history and features, often lasting around an hour or more.
Yes, a small bar is often set up, especially during performances, offering refreshments for attendees.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. During tours, it's generally permitted to take photos, but it's always best to ask your guide. For performances, flash photography is usually prohibited.
The main auditorium, with its historic stage and seating, offers great photographic opportunities. The Masonic lodge rooms also present unique architectural details worth capturing.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial use or extensive filming might require prior permission from the venue management.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond workshops, the guided tours can be adapted to be engaging for younger audiences by focusing on the more dramatic aspects of the building's history, like its theatrical past. The opportunity to see different parts of the building, including the Masonic museum, can spark curiosity. It's a good option for a family outing that combines education with a touch of wonder.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Delve into the Masonic Museum to uncover the secrets and history of Freemasonry, a topic that has intrigued many. The guided tours provide in-depth insights, often with opportunities for hands-on interaction with historical artifacts, making the past feel tangible.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Building of Many Lives: Theatre, Church, and Lodge
Over time, the building transitioned from its theatrical roots. It was later repurposed as a Catholic Church, a period that added another layer to its architectural and social history. This transformation highlights the changing needs and uses of significant urban structures.
Today, it stands as a Masonic Hall, housing a museum dedicated to the history and practices of Freemasonry. This current iteration allows visitors to explore not only the building's past but also the intriguing world of this historic fraternity. The blend of these distinct eras makes a visit a truly unique experience.
Experiencing a Guided Tour
The tours cover the building's multifaceted past, from its inception as a grand theatre to its time as a place of worship and its current function as a Masonic lodge. You'll learn about the architectural changes, significant events, and the people who have shaped its legacy. The variety of information ensures there's something to capture everyone's interest, making it a worthwhile exploration for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit