The Athenium Theatre built in 1929 is one of the most culturally significant buildings within the Junee Shire. With its unique structure and design, the building has its own personality. The venue is available to be hired for events, with modern AV set up and large projection screen, commercial kitchen, bathroom, change rooms, outdoor function area and a huge floor space it is perfect for any event.
In New South Wales (excluding Sydney and Newcastle) there were 351 cinema venues in 289 towns. Less than 10 per cent “exist” as theatres (there are only 31 remaining). Only 11 of those exist with some form of obvious decorative interior and theatrical exterior of which the Athenium Theatre is one. Of the 57 theatres designed by Kabbery and Chard in NSW, only three remain without being demolished or considerably adapted.
In October 2023 the Athenium Theatre was successful in receiving over $1.5 million in funding through the NSW Government Creative Capital program which will see major upgrades to the back of the stage including additional dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces, upgrades to the internal kitchenette transforming it into a modern bar/kiosk and meeting space. Major upgrades to the sound and lighting systems are also on the cards which will make the Athenium Theatre a premier venue within the Riverina.
