Rivoli Village Cinemas

200 Camberwell Road,
Melbourne, VIC 3123

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Related Websites

Village Cinemas (Official)

Additional Info

Operated by: Village Theatres

Architects: H. Vivian Taylor

Firms: H. Vivian Taylor, Soilleux & Overend

Functions: Movies, Movies (First Run)

Styles: Art Deco, Streamline Moderne

Previous Names: Rivoli Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 61030.055.5400

Nearby Theaters

Rivoli Cinemas

The Rivoli Village Cinemas is a beautiful example of Jazz or Streamline Moderne styles mixed with Art Deco. It opened as the Rivoli Theatre on 11th October 1940 with Ray Milland in “French Without Tears” and a total seating capacity of 1,644 in stalls and circle.

It was twinned in December 1968 and then had a seating caapcity of 679 in the former stalls and 400 in the former circle. This closed on 25th April 1999 as the then owners Village Theatres intended to build an additional six screens on adjacent land.

Recently renovated in keeping with its original style, the complex now has eight screens which opened on 4th May 2000. The original screen located in the circle area still retains much of the 1940’s decorative detail and has seating for just under 500 people in comfort. The cinema also has a cute roof garden and bar overlooking the Camberwell street scene.

Contributed by kate, Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

irishcine
irishcine on March 24, 2009 at 5:53 am

The Rivoli Cinema is up for sale. It has an asking price of “around $23 million” and it is leased to Village Roadshow until 2020.

Selling agent Andrew Dawkins of CB Richard Ellis said the property was returning about $2million rent, with room for increases, and would probably remain a cinema, as heritage restrictions made it difficult to convert for other uses.

JohnHolloway
JohnHolloway on July 23, 2009 at 7:05 am

Always a pleasure to visit the Rivoli. Beautifully maintained, impecably polite and helpful staff – always feel this is a result of superb managerial skills, and showmanship second to none. No ifs/buts will the curtains be operating today! A true Cinema Treasure.

PhillipGrace
PhillipGrace on November 21, 2009 at 11:15 pm

The Rivoli was opened with a Hammond Model BC electric organ. The console was installed at stage level on the left hand side of the proscenium, and was manually rotated into view in front of the House curtain. The instrument remained until the cinema was closed for twinning. Any information about the organ, its organists, or other similar installations would be most welcome. Does anybody have photos of the original auditorium?

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