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The Astor Theatre, St Kilda

The Astor Theatre 1 Chapel St. St Kilda

In 1908, the stables on the site were developed into the "Diamond Cinema". The Diamond was redeveloped as the Rex Theatre in 1913. In 1924 the Rex was converted into a motor garage until 1935 when it was demolished except for back wall.

In December 1935 construction of the Astor Theatre began. It opened on the 3/4/1936.  The introduction of TV in 1956 created many hardships for the cinemas of Melbourne. The Astor began showing Greek-language films in 1967, but closed Feb.1982.

A larger screen and 70 mm projection were installed in 1985.  Major renovations were performed in 1988, including the installation of a larger screen        (60 feet x 28 feet)

The Astor is the only surviving single screen auditorium in Melbourne. The Astor hosted Melbourne International Film Festival for several years in the 1990s. Digital projection was installed 2011/2, but 35 & 70 mm films are still screened regularly.

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