Why Rippon Lea Estate & Hellenic Museum Are Two Of Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Venues

Melbourne is renowned for spectacular event spaces, and two of Showtime Event Group’s venues have developed reputations as Instagram sensations: the elegant Hellenic Museum and the breathtaking Rippon Lea Estate.

These heritage spaces offer more than just spaces to hold an event – they provide truly unique experiences, with classical architecture and lush botanical surroundings, creating the perfect backdrop for life’s most celebrated moments.

Hellenic Museum: Mediterranean Elegance In Melbourne’s Heart

If being known as the former Royal Mint Building isn’t impressive enough, let Hellenic Museum’s neoclassical grandeur with Mediterranean charm do it for you – this is one of Melbourne’s most distinctive event venues, and here’s why:

An Iconic Exterior
The heritage-listed facade, with its imposing columns and symmetrical design, offers timeless elegance to guests, before they even step inside. It’s impressive, big and bold.

Then there’s the stunning interior spaces, flooded with artwork, that seamlessly blends Victorian-era craftsmanship with Greek cultural influences.

Every corner offers a different perspective, and a new frame-worthy moment.

A Garden Sanctuary In Melbourne
Arguably the most photogenic feature of Hellenic Museum is its courtyard garden – a secluded Mediterranean-inspired sanctuary hidden within Melbourne’s urban landscape.

Olive trees, classical statues and seasonal plantings create a tranquil atmosphere that instantly transports guests to the shores of the Aegean.

The courtyard’s stone pathways, framed by manicured hedges and climbing vines, offer countless photo opportunities, whether bathed in golden hour light or illuminated by strategically placed garden lighting after sunset.

Perfect For Corporate Functions
Hellenic Museum has become a favoured destination for corporate clients seeking to elevate their events beyond the ordinary conference room experience. The combination of historic weight and cultural richness provides the perfect setting for:

Product launches that demand sophistication and visual impact
Executive dinners surrounded by art and history
Award ceremonies in unique, conversation-starting spaces
Corporate milestone celebrations in a venue that reflects achievement and prestige

The museum’s various spaces can transform from daytime conference settings to evening gala venues with seamless efficiency, all while maintaining that essential Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

Wedding Day Dreams
For couples seeking a wedding venue with both character and refinement, Hellenic Museum offers a romantic canvas limited only by imagination. The courtyard garden provides an enchanting ceremony setting, while the interior spaces transition beautifully for receptions of varying sizes.

The venue’s neutral palette of creams, whites, and natural stone allows wedding styling to shine, whether couples opt for classic elegance or bold contemporary design

Rippon Lea Estate: Victorian Splendour In A Garden Paradise

Just a short drive from Melbourne’s CBD in Elsternwick lies one of Australia’s finest examples of Victorian-era grandeur: Rippon Lea Estate. This National Trust property encompasses a magnificent mansion and 14 acres of heritage gardens, offering event possibilities on a truly grand scale.

A Heritage Icon
Rippon Lea Estate’s 1868 mansion stands as testament to Australia’s gold rush prosperity, with its distinctive polychromatic brickwork, ornate interiors, and commanding presence. The estate has featured in numerous film and television productions, most notably the Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries series, cementing its status as one of Melbourne’s most recognisable heritage properties.

There’s something magical about hosting an event at a venue with such historical significance – guests immediately feel the weight of history and the specialness of the occasion, and it creates an atmosphere that simply can’t be replicated in newer venues.

Insta-Worthy Garden Glory
What truly sets Rippon Lea Estate apart is its spectacular gardens. The meticulously maintained grounds feature:

A serene ornamental lake reflecting weeping willows and garden pavilions
Australia’s largest fernery, creating a lush rainforest atmosphere
Sweeping lawns that seemingly stretch to infinity
Historic orchards and kitchen gardens
Winding paths through rare and exotic plantings
Spectacular seasonal displays, from spring blossoms to autumn foliage

These diverse garden rooms provide endless possibilities for event styling and photography, with each season offering its own distinctive beauty.

Work Events Worth Posting About
For corporate clients, Rippon Lea Estate offers an escape from the usual bland spaces. The estate’s various spaces accommodate everything from intimate executive retreats to large-scale corporate celebrations for hundreds of guests. The Ballroom, with its soaring ceiling and period details, transforms into a sophisticated gala venue, while the garden pavilions offer charming settings for breakout sessions or cocktail functions.

Wedded Wonder Awaits
For couples seeking the ultimate garden wedding, Rippon Lea Estate stands unrivalled in Melbourne’s wedding venue landscape. The estate offers multiple ceremony locations, from the formal gardens near the mansion to secluded spots beside the lake or under centuries-old trees.

Couples are absolutely captivated by the photographic possibilities at Elsternwick’s iconic estate. Whether crossing the iron bridge, standing beside the lake with the mansion reflected behind them, or stealing quiet moments in the fernery, what couples end up with are more than simply photos – they are moments captured in time.

Reception options range from elegant garden marquees to the heritage-listed ballroom and coach house, allowing for flexibility regardless of weather or season.

Capturing The Perfect Moment
What ultimately makes both the Hellenic Museum and Rippon Lea Estate so photogenic is their ability to transport guests to another world – one of refined elegance, natural beauty, and timeless sophistication.

Whether it’s the golden light filtering through ancient olive trees at Hellenic Museum or the sight of Rippon Lea Estate’s mansion reflected in the still waters of its ornamental lake, these venues offer genuinely chic, aesthetic vibes.

In a world of increasingly generic event spaces, these garden-focused spaces stand as testament to Melbourne’s rich architectural heritage. No filter required.

To explore hosting your next exceptional event at either the Hellenic Museum or Rippon Lea Estate, contact us here.

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Bringing Events To Life at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Library: Behind The Scenes With Showtime Event Group

In this exclusive interview, we chat with Juliette Haresign, Event Producer at Showtime Event Group, about her journey in event production, the challenges and rewards of working with heritage spaces, and how Showtime Event Group brings unforgettable events to life in Melbourne’s most beautiful venues.

From Casual Staff To Event Producer: A Journey with Showtime
Juliette’s journey with Showtime Event Group began unexpectedly – what started as an application for a casual food and beverage position quickly evolved when her passion for events became evident.

“When I was offered the position, I had enquired for something more hands-on, which led me to starting as an On-The-Day Event Coordinator. This was a role I immediately fell in love with,” Juliette recalls.

Her enthusiasm and dedication saw her quickly progress through the ranks, gaining experience across Showtime’s impressive portfolio of venues from Rippon Lea Estate to Hellenic Museum. Today, as a Corporate Event Producer, she brings her expertise to creating remarkable experiences in some of Melbourne’s most prestigious spaces.

The Magic Of Working In Heritage Venues
Working in historic buildings presents a unique blend of privilege and responsibility. Juliette describes her first impressions of stepping into one of Melbourne’s iconic heritage venues: “My first reaction was a mixture of awe and excitement. I was immediately struck by the grandeur and history of the space.”

This sentiment is often echoed by clients during site visits, who frequently comment on the beauty of Melbourne’s heritage venues and how fortunate the Showtime team is to work in such iconic spaces.

Creating Modern Experiences In Historic Settings
One of Showtime Event Group’s greatest strengths is balancing respect for heritage with creating contemporary event experiences. Juliette explains their approach: “We’re careful to preserve the integrity of the venues while integrating contemporary elements. We focus on creating events that complement a building’s heritage, often drawing inspiration from its history and architectural features.”

This philosophy extends to the integration of modern technology and innovative design while ensuring the timeless beauty of these spaces remains the centrepiece of every event.

Working With Heritage Constraints
Transforming public spaces into private event venues requires meticulous planning and execution. “Many venues are not available until after opening hours. This creates the challenge of bumping in an entire event – furniture, florals, place settings – all within 1-2 hours,” Juliette explains.

Far from seeing this as a limitation, the Showtime team has made this rapid transformation process a specialty. “This is a welcomed challenge that we have become pros at. The energy that is emitted from our well-oiled team to clear a space from public access to a 200-guest seated dinner is a marvellously impressive thing to watch.”

Client Feedback That Makes It All Worthwhile
Showtime Event Group consistently receives praise not just for their stunning venues but for their service excellence:

“The venue was such a beautiful space to celebrate our End of Year Celebration. Acknowledging the philanthropic contributions was such a lovely touch, and it was a great space to have everyone come together.”

Another client shared: “Once you engage in organising an event, you really get to know how their customer care is – I would highly recommend them for your future events.”

Sustainability And Community Connection
Showtime Event Group places high importance on sustainability and community engagement across all their venues and events.

“We prioritise sustainability by carefully managing food waste,” Juliette says. “We work closely with our catering teams to accurately assess guest demographics and expected attendance, ensuring that we avoid both over and under catering.”

For larger events with over 300 guests, the team considers using biodegradable cups and other eco-friendly solutions when designing an event. They also collaborate with audience engagement specialists to ensure catering aligns with both the event’s goals and sustainability objectives.

Juliette recalls a recent Midsumma event as a perfect example of community engagement: “To connect with the community, we quite literally ‘rolled out the red carpet,’ offering rainbow lamingtons and selecting community-themed catering and beverages to reflect the spirit of the event.”

Making The Most Of Iconic Venues
For clients considering a heritage venue for their next event, Juliette offers this advice: “Touch on the history and culture of the space to further replicate and accentuate the beauty of the venue.”

She suggests creative ways to enhance the experience: “Use vintage books, hire in a cozy lounge, reach out to our suppliers for unique entertainment options. Let live music fill the space, and use LED lights to illuminate the architecture. Embrace the full experience of these historic spaces.”

Finding Inspiration In Melbourne’s Heritage Venues
What keeps Juliette passionate about her work with Showtime Event Group? “What inspires me every day is the honour of working in such inspiring buildings. I think what sets us apart is a certain something inside all of us that not only cares about the spaces we work in but what they represent and the greater community around them.”

She adds, “We are not just a part of the buildings we work in, but a part of the greater Melbourne community.

Showtime Event Group specialises in creating exceptional events across Melbourne’s most prestigious venues. To discuss your next event, contact our team here.

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Pioneering Solutions In The Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge 2025

Showtime Event Group is proud to be a key partner in the innovative Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together Rocket Seeder, the City of Bandung (Indonesia), and the City of Melbourne in a collaborative effort to tackle one of our most pressing environmental challenges.

Launch Event Highlights
The challenge kicked off with an impactful event at Melbourne Town Hall’s Supper Room, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies. Councillor Andrew Rose opened the proceedings, followed by Piers Grove, executive director of Rocket Seeder, who provided crucial insights into the challenge’s objectives and scope.

A Powerful Panel Discussion
Led by Caitlin Touzell, the General Manager at Rocket Seeder, the panel brought together experts from diverse sectors to unpack the complexities of food waste management:

Unpacking the Challenges
The panel dove deep into the intricate challenges of managing food waste across different industries. Leah Macpherson from Showtime Event Group highlighted the complexity of serving a diverse customer base, emphasising how varied dietary requirements and last-minute changes often lead to significant food waste.

Kelly Green from Queen Victoria Market echoed similar sentiments, noting the difficulties in creating standardised waste management approaches across multiple traders and customer segments. Gigi Yuen from Melbourne Airport shared complementary insights, particularly around the challenges of waste segmentation for the 35 million travellers passing through annually.

Innovative Waste Management Strategies
Participants discussed innovative approaches to waste education and management. Key takeaways included:

– The importance of teaching correct waste segmentation

– Strategies for working more closely with traders to reduce waste

– Addressing the challenges of food donation, including regulatory hurdles and logistical constraints

The Donation Dilemma
The panel didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges of food donation. Leah Macpherson emphasised the significant liability concerns for event organizers, while Kelly Green highlighted the shortage of volunteers in food charities and the difficulties in coordinating food collection.

A Global Perspective
The event concluded with a pre-recorded message from the Mayor of Bandung, underscoring the international collaboration at the heart of this challenge.

Learn More
For those interested in diving deeper into the Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge, click here to visit Rocket Seeder’s website for more information.

Together, we can make a difference – one meal at a time.

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Announcing Our Newest Venue, Western Grounds!

There are a few things that we Victorians know how to do really well: delicious wine, stunning beaches and rich, roaring sporting events. For all our diverse sporting prowess, nothing shines quite as bright as AFL. In fact, not only is Victoria home to 10 of 18 national clubs; the game itself was invented in Melbourne!

That’s why Showtime Event Group is over the moon to announce our newest venue, a place where history, culture and Melbourne’s vibrant sporting spirit collide: Western Grounds at Mission Whitten Oval.

Located in dynamic Footscray, Mission Whitten Oval has been the historic home of the beloved Western Bulldogs Football Club since 1883. It’s seen many nail-biting games and victorious post-match celebrations, and now, you can join in the action.

The precinct recently revitalised through a $78 million government-backed upgrade, offers a fresh, modern feel with state-of-the-art facilities. With the redevelopment comes the brand new EJ Whitten Stand and a dedicated function space managed exclusively by Showtime Event Group.

The top floor of the stand features a central bar, Eastern and Western-facing balconies and panoramic views of the oval and the city. The space is licensed for 300 seated guests or 400 cocktail guests, making it suitable for a range of corporate occasions, weddings, gala dinners and conferences.

Whether you’re dreaming of a sunset wedding overlooking the city, or a luxe networking event that brings people together, Western Grounds has something for you. With a range of flexible venue packages available – including catering, entertainment and security options – it’s never been a better time to start planning.

We’re now accepting venue tours and booking enquiries, so if Western Grounds has your heart already, reach out to our friendly team at (03) 9682 1777 or [email protected] to get started. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Summer Styling Tips From The Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society Garden Party

There are few things better than summer. The jacarandas are in full bloom, the birds are singing and that pesky chill in the air is finally gone.

Summer is an awakening in every sense of the word, and as we unfurl from our cold weather cocoons, it feels like the perfect time to reconnect socially. Summer events are some of our very favourites here at Showtime Event Group, not just for their sense of vibrance and community, but also for their undeniably delightful aesthetic.

With the sun shining and flowers blooming, nothing quite hits like a summer garden party; think festive party favours, breezy outdoor marquees and light bubbling refreshments. With holidays just around the corner, fresh produce at the ready and an end-of-year lightness in the air, there’s something truly magical at work.

We recently had the honour of hosting one such summer garden party for the Hellenic Museum’s Ladies Society, and it could not have been dreamier. Today, we’re looking back at the event and celebrating the styling techniques that really made it pop.

1 – Colour, colour, colour!
In the warmer months, we love leaning into strong, bright and defined colour palettes. By choosing a hero hue that sings, styling is made all the easier and all the more effortless.

For the Hellenic Museum’s Ladies Society annual garden party, we worked with event coordinators to source tableware that would spotlight the lavender, lilac and mauave in their styling choices. The event celebrated these beautiful tones in the table decor, flower arrangements and even the venue’s name for the day – The Lavender Pavilion. The strong colour choice made everything appear cohesive and lent a sense of whimsy to each moment, enchanting guests and hosts alike.

2 – Activities make all the difference.
Parties are a ton of fun, but in a sea of summer events, they can sometimes veer into the realm of repetition. This season, we’re loving interactive events and activities that engage guests for the entire day – bonus points if they have a commemorative item to leave with at the end!

For the annual garden party, there were heaps of activities on offer, including portrait painting, custom ornament engraving, lucky dips, a raffle and flower arranging. Guests had a fun, personalised and exciting experience while also getting a chance to mingle with new faces.

3 – Venue is key.
Summer calls for sparkling rosé, light nibbles and plenty of open space. Finding the perfect venue for your garden party might seem like a task in the bustling CBD, but as members of the Ladies’ Society can attest, Hellenic Museum is a lush hidden oasis that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Located in the CBD’s Royal Mint Building, Hellenic Museum is a true hidden gem. Founded in 2007 by businessman and philanthropist Spiros Stamoulis, the museum is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the celebration of Greek culture, art, and history.

The venue features three versatile event spaces that blend period elegance with modern convenience. The marvellous outdoor M Pavilion and Eastern Courtyard can host up to 500 people for a cocktail-style function, while the Grand Foyer can host up to 200 and the Henson Room an intimate 50.

Cloaked in lavender, the venue was a testament to the marvellous work of the Ladies’ Society in art, culture and business.

So there you have it, three summer styling tips for your next holiday bash. If you’re curious about hosting a garden party with Showtime Event Group, we have a host of flexible venue packages available, so get in touch today.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Celebrating our city’s evolving community at the Melbourne Awards

When the movers and shakers of Melbourne gather for the awards season, one venue shines brightest of them all: the undeniably iconic Melbourne Town Hall. Known for its luxe red carpet, dramatic heritage features and prime location, there’s truly no better place to host a gala, awards night or ceremony than Melbourne’s very best.

Indeed, Melbourne Town Hall once again welcomed the city’s finest with the iconic Melbourne Awards this past November. Showtime Event Group were extremely proud to partner with City of Melbourne on this fantastic evening. Since 2002, the Melbourne Awards has provided a platform to recognise the people who make our city a place to be proud of.

Particular congratulations to all winners, with STREAT’s Rebecca Scott OAM and Alex Dekker taking out Melburnian and Young Melburnian of the Year. Placing food and hospitality at the heart of fostering community connections is something which certainly resonates with our team.

Steeped in history and ambience, Melbourne Town Hall provides a luxe tapestry against which esteemed guests can mingle, network and celebrate.

From the moment guests ascend the venue’s grand, crimson staircase – situated on Swanston Street’s bustling central thoroughfare – they are enveloped in an air of sophistication and anticipation. A spacious entryway (with wheelchair-accessible ramps) allows plenty of room for photographers, press and guests alike, ensuring complete comfort.

Once inside, the Grand Hall opens like a glittering treasure box. The soaring room, capable of hosting 1,500 guests, features original accents, a grand organ and an elevated stage that’s perfect for award presentations.

Beyond the Grand Hall, six other dedicated event rooms are open to guests, all upgraded with world-class amenities and AV systems. These include the Swanston Hall (400 guest capacity), Supper Room (300 guest capacity), Yarra Room (150 guest capacity), Portico Room/Balcony (120 guest capacity) and intimate Melbourne Room (50 guest capacity).

If you’re itching to host your next event in a venue that will leave your guests talking for years to come, get in touch with our friendly team for a tour of Melbourne Town Hall. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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All Aboard! A Spotlight On Polly Woodside, Melbourne’s Favourite Tall Ship Event Space

Looking for a truly unforgettable venue for your next event? Whether it be a lighthearted work Christmas do, a fairy tale wedding, a lowkey networking hour or even a corporate conference, Polly Woodside offers a space that will truly captivate your guests.

Polly Woodside, a National Heritage-listed tall ship with a storied past, is one of our most unique event venues. Built in Belfast in 1885, this three-masted vessel once carried cargo between England and South America, circumnavigating the globe no fewer than 17 times. Following its last journey, it was sold to the National Trust (for 1 cent!) and immaculately restored to its former glory.

Today, it’s nestled on the sparkling Yarra River, directly opposite the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The venue boasts indoor and outdoor event spaces, allowing guests to soak up the ship’s historic exterior while enjoying a refurbished interior. The restored main deck provides a spectacular setting for cocktails under the stars in the warmer months, while the atmospheric below-deck area creates an intimate space that’s perfect for seated dinners and presentations. Guests can flow seamlessly from deck to shore via a central gangplank, ensuring ease of access.

Attached to Polly Woodside’s berth is an interactive maritime museum that features an immersive theatrette and dining hall. Get lost in the collection of heritage pieces before sitting down with guests to enjoy a delicious meal in true sailor style. Polly Woodside can accommodate 100 seated dinner guests, 80 seated guests with a dancefloor, 120 guests in the theatrette and 250 cocktail guests.

Polly Woodside’s riverside location and proximity to hotels, parking and public transport options lends a layer of convenience and accessibility to any event. The vibrant South Wharf neighbourhood offers abundant accommodation options, ensuring your guests can easily extend their experience. It’s similarly situated close to Southern Cross station for guests arriving from out of town.

So, if you’re ready to embrace your sea legs and climb aboard Polly Woodside with the crew, reach out to our friendly team to discuss how we can transform your dream event into a reality. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Discover Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne’s Best Kept Event Secret

The seven dedicated event rooms have been meticulously maintained to preserve their heritage features whilst simultaneously upgraded with world class AV systems for a seamless feel. Whether you’re drawn to the airy Portico balcony, the iconic central hall, the elegant supper room or something in between, the spaces transform effortlessly to meet your needs while retaining their storied spirit.

A generous 1,500-person capacity ensures no one is ever left feeling pressed for space, and wheelchair-friendly entrances provide complete accessibility. A plethora of local parking and public transport options also make travel to and from the venue a breeze.

Our dedicated team of event producers work tirelessly to help bring your event vision to life. We work with some of the industry’s best suppliers, such as Dann Event Hire, Scene Change AV Hire and Botanics of Melbourne, to ensure your occasion is honed to complete perfection. From the moment your guests walk up those iconic red velvet stairs at the venue’s entrance to the moment they leave, we guarantee excellence.

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome you and your guests into this iconic reimagined space. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you throw the perfect cocktail party that will have your guests talking well for years to come.

As the weather heats up, so too does our social calendar, and there’s nothing quite like a good cocktail party to bring people together.

When planning a cocktail party, there’s no element quite as formative as the venue. The right venue choice has the capacity to not only define an event’s size, scope and feel, but greatly elevate the experience of your guests.

Nestled like a shining jewel in the heart of the CBD, the Melbourne Town Hall is the city’s best kept event secret. Rich in history and alight with ambience, it provides a rich tapestry against which your guests can mingle, network and explore. Built in 1867, the building’s opulent exterior and lush interior have witnessed many marvellous historic events, including The Beatles’ whirlwind visit in 1964.

The seven dedicated event rooms have been meticulously maintained to preserve their heritage features whilst simultaneously upgraded with world class AV systems for a seamless feel. Whether you’re drawn to the airy Portico balcony, the iconic central hall, the elegant supper room or something in between, the spaces transform effortlessly to meet your needs while retaining their storied spirit.

A generous 1,500-person capacity ensures no one is ever left feeling pressed for space, and wheelchair-friendly entrances provide complete accessibility. A plethora of local parking and public transport options also make travel to and from the venue a breeze.

Our dedicated team of event producers work tirelessly to help bring your event vision to life. We work with some of the industry’s best suppliers, such as Dann Event Hire, Scene Change AV Hire and Botanics of Melbourne, to ensure your occasion is honed to complete perfection. From the moment your guests walk up those iconic red velvet stairs at the venue’s entrance to the moment they leave, we guarantee excellence.

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome you and your guests into this iconic reimagined space. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you throw the perfect cocktail party that will have your guests talking well for years to come.

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An Ode To Spring Weddings

There’s something truly magical about spring. Tiny cherry blossoms start unfurling from trees, the sun makes itself known and everyone seems a little more hopeful, like they, too, are blooming after a long winter.

It makes perfect sense, then, that spring is one of the best times of year to host a wedding. Spring offers a joyous, comfortable and convenient setting for your special day, before the heat of summer becomes too oppressive or Christmas parties take over your guest’s social calendars.

One thing we absolutely adore about spring events is the myriad of styling opportunities. With warmer weather, more sun and flowers in full bloom, it’s hard to go past a garden-style wedding; think light breezy colours, outdoor marquees and plenty of sparkling rosé.

We love all our venues, but during spring, the Hellenic Museum and Rippon Lea Estate are clear frontrunners. Resplendent with immaculate grounds and eye-catching architecture, they’re absolutely perfect for the romantic garden wedding of your dreams.

Located in the CBD’s Royal Mint Building, the Hellenic Museum is a true hidden gem. Founded in 2007 by businessman and philanthropist Spiros Stamoulis, the museum is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the celebration of Greek culture, art, and history.

The venue features three versatile event spaces that blend period elegance with modern convenience. The marvellous outdoor M Pavilion and Eastern Courtyard can host up to 500 people for a cocktail-style function, while the Grand Foyer can host up to 200 and the Henson Room an intimate 50.

Similarly, Rippon Lea Estate is a dreamy green haven nestled within historic Elsternwick. The National Heritage-listed manor house was built in 1868 and features a grand golden ballroom, terrace, pool and conservatory. Surrounding it are 14 kilometres of picturesque gardens, an ornamental lake, orchard and fernery.

The whole estate shines with life, immaculately maintained to preserve the Victorian heritage features. Given the expanse of the gardens, Rippon Lea Estate is perfect for larger weddings.

Here at Showtime Event Group, our team of world-class event producers are dedicated to bringing your fairy-tale day to life. We work with some of the industry’s leading suppliers, including Weddings of Distinction and Botanics of Melbourne, to ensure perfection down to the tiniest detail.

We currently have two exciting events planned for Rippon Lea Estate, if you’re after a closer look, though we’re always happy to give guided tours of any of our venues. Join us for our Wedding Open Day at Rippon Lea Estate on the 21st of September for a first-hand glimpse at what your special day could be, or hop over to our South Wharf open day on October 19th to experience our various locations across the Promenade. Book now through our Eventbrite page to secure your spot.

We can’t wait to start planning the spring garden wedding of your dreams!

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Jaw-Dropping Spaces In The State Library Victoria For Your Next Conference

When executed well, a conference can become the social highlight of the professional calendar – blending learning, networking and socialising into a truly unforgettable experience. A critical cornerstone of industry development, they offer unparalleled networking opportunities, foster an atmosphere of professional growth and allow attendees to develop their skills.

Venue is everything when planning a conference. Factors like accessibility, capacity, AV setup and aesthetic are all important factors when determining the scope and feel of the event.

Nestled in the heart of the CBD, the State Library Victoria has a space to suit every need. The dedicated event rooms offer a captivating atmosphere, integrated AV equipment and onsite catering to make planning as stress-free as possible.

Among State Library Victoria’s many areas, several are custom-built for conferences. Read on to see which space best suits you!

1. The Conversation Quarter
The Conversation Quarter boasts a unique blend of heritage architecture and cutting-edge technology. Ideal for lectures, panels and seminars, it features the Library’s distinctive bluestone wall as a charming focal point. The space comes equipped with the latest live-stream technology and can be connected in real-time to international speakers across the globe.

With a flexible floor plan and seating options, the Conversation Quarter provides the warmth to host small seminars or the largest of luncheons. If you’re organising a major conference, the Conversation Quarter can also be hired as a complementary venue for events held in the Village Roadshow Theatrette or Conference Centre.

2. Isabella Fraser Room|
Named after the Library’s first listed female staff member, this versatile heritage gallery can be transformed into a sophisticated dining room, exhibition space or theatrette. The glorious high ceilings, abundance of natural light and beautiful hardwood floors make it perfect for business breakfasts and lunches in addition to conferencing.

This special event space is directly accessible through a dedicated entrance on La Trobe Street, and is located next a world-class exhibition space. The Victoria Gallery currently plays host to Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis with the opportunity to extend private access and curator talks prior to the start of your event.

3. Conference Centre
With dedicated access from La Trobe Street, the centrally located Conference Centre caters to all your professional and corporate event needs. Comprising of the 200-seat State Library Theatrette and a suite of five adjoining seminar rooms, the Conference Centre is flexible and configurable, ideal for concurrent workshops and breakout groups. Equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, the Conference Centre is available for full or half-day conferences, seven days a week.

4. State Library Theatrette
Whether you want to present a lecture, chair a meeting or screen a film, the State Library Theatrette has the equipment and versatility you need. The space has a seating capacity of up to 200 guests and fully integrated multimedia equipment, all with remote controls. With brand-new upgrades, including five high-definition projectors, this room has the capacity to facilitate a wide range of conference and presentation formats.

Two seating rows are also fitted with power outlets to enable easy use of personal technology, meaning guests can take notes on their laptops or record on their phones without draining batteries.

In addition to these dedicated conference rooms, the State Library Victoria also offers the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, La Trobe Reading Room, and Cowen Gallery as event spaces.

No matter the size, theme or budget of your dream conference, SEG is determined to make it a reality. Chat with us today about how you can make the State Library Victoria the home for your next event.

Hellenic Museum: Mediterranean Elegance In Melbourne’s Heart

Rippon Lea Estate: Victorian Splendour In A Garden Paradise

Bringing Events To Life at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Library: Behind The Scenes With Showtime Event Group

Pioneering Solutions In The Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge 2025

Announcing Our Newest Venue, Western Grounds!

Summer Styling Tips From The Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society Garden Party

Celebrating our city’s evolving community at the Melbourne Awards

All Aboard! A Spotlight On Polly Woodside, Melbourne’s Favourite Tall Ship Event Space

Discover Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne’s Best Kept Event Secret

An Ode To Spring Weddings

Jaw-Dropping Spaces In The State Library Victoria For Your Next Conference

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Why Rippon Lea Estate & Hellenic Museum Are Two Of Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Venues

Hellenic Museum: Mediterranean Elegance In Melbourne’s Heart

Rippon Lea Estate: Victorian Splendour In A Garden Paradise

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Bringing Events To Life at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Library: Behind The Scenes With Showtime Event Group

Pioneering Solutions In The Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge 2025

Announcing Our Newest Venue, Western Grounds!

Summer Styling Tips From The Hellenic Museum Ladies’ Society Garden Party

Bringing Events To Life at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Library: Behind The Scenes With Showtime Event Group

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Why Rippon Lea Estate & Hellenic Museum Are Two Of Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Venues

Pioneering Solutions In The Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge 2025

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All Aboard! A Spotlight On Polly Woodside, Melbourne’s Favourite Tall Ship Event Space

Pioneering Solutions In The Melbourne-Bandung Food Waste Challenge 2025

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Why Rippon Lea Estate & Hellenic Museum Are Two Of Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Venues

Bringing Events To Life at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Library: Behind The Scenes With Showtime Event Group

Celebrating our city’s evolving community at the Melbourne Awards

All Aboard! A Spotlight On Polly Woodside, Melbourne’s Favourite Tall Ship Event Space

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