This beautiful heritage venue is brimming with character and history. In 2019 Rathmines Theatre – along with Rathmines Heritage Centre – was refurbished as a unique and memorable space for live performances, exhibitions, festivals and as well as corporate events and private functions. The old boiler room has been repurposed as a charismatic bar space where audiences love to grab a drink before the show.
The Awabakal name for Rathmines Theatre is Nawayiba, a word that means 'Canoe place' and makes reference to the scarred trees nearby. Rathmines-Nawayiba.wav
In 1939, Rathmines was selected as the location for a new RAAF base. Notably, the artist Sir William Dobell was responsible for the camouflaging of the base in the early 40s. As part of this development, RAAF members were provided with a recreational facility including a picture theatre and a gymnasium. Retaining the original charm and aesthetic, that recreational facility became Rathmines Theatre and Heritage Centre.