The Marion Cultural Centre opened in 2001 and was quite a controversial topic because of its design as it incorporates the word 'Marion', it's certainly a visible landmark for the suburb. The architectural design was also another first for government or private businesses to incorporate energy saving systems. It has stormwater collection facilities allowing water to be filtered and stored on site then distributed to Adelaide's subterranian aquifier, solar hot water, evapoartive air conditioning, energy efficient lighting and a low maintenance garden. If only we can all afford that! It is situated between the Marion Shopping Centre and the new Marion Aquatic Centre. The centre houses a theatre, meeting rooms, art gallery, café, foyer, plaza and the Marion Library, which have individual opening hours so it's best to check the City of Marion website attached with this review. During the school holidays the whole complex run their own programs to keep kids and parents occupied. The library is open plan and easy to navigate, membership is free, the gallery is bright and colourful with lots to see during exhibition events and there's art and craft to purchase, the theatre screens movies, hosts plays, etc, meeting rooms for hire and the foyer itself hosts various functions and events. Feeling peckish? Fear not as there is a fully equipped cafe with a great selection of light meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks. This year on December 10th area surrounding the centre will host its first market, so keep an ear out for next year if you miss this years market. Definitely a good place for the whole family. read more

Marion Cultural Centre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oaklands Park, SA

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I used to think the Marion Cultural Centre was a complete and utter eyesore. Its ultra modern architecture used to exist un-surrounded by other buildings but since the Aquatic Centre and other buildings and have sprung up around it, its taken on a new life and now seems to fit well into its surroundings. If you look closely you'll realise the architectural team who designed the building have managed to incorporate the word MARION into the external features of the building - pretty clever really. After disapproving from afar for a long time, I finally went inside and was genuinely impressed ... what an amazing public space! Inside the Cultural Centre are a variety of public spaces. There's the Marion Library which is open 7 days a week and offers computers for public use complete with internet access. There are also a couple of rooms available for hire known as the Sturt and Green Rooms - the Green is clearly a reference to the Marion Council's commitment to environmental issues. The Domain Theatre that seats 280 people, plays host to all sorts of events and comes complete with its own box office to manage ticket sales. Gallery M is the Cultural Centre's 'state of the art' art space and is also open all week. Entry is free and individuals or groups can hire the space for their own exhibitions. The gallery has an amazingly high ceiling and I've been told there's something like 66 linear metres of hanging space. The only drawback within the centre is Signatures Café. I have to admit I haven't eaten there but I was sorely disappointed with their coffee! I recommend having a closer look at the exterior of the building to see if you can make out the letters and of course taking a tour of the facilities inside the building. It's a great place and well worth a visit. read more

Marion Cultural Centre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oaklands Park, SA

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I came here to visit Gallery M, so I was super-surprised to find a large and exciting community space! This place is an all-in-one arts complex: there is the public Library, a theatre, a cafe, the gallery, and a gift shop that sells handmade products from City Of Marion residents. The latter was of specific interest to me - I was surprised to see such a great range of gift ideas, very interesting and high-quality goods at very reasonable prices. I will definitely be visiting there again when looking for pressies! All in all, I wandered around this complex wide-eyed, which totally surprised me - it's a very exciting space that benefits the whole community. I love the way that a suburban council has taken risks with the design of the building, as well as the forward-thinking nature of what it contains. A gem in the south - other councils can learn many lessons from City Of Marion ;) read more

This is a beautiful building housing an excellent library, a cafe, and gallery space. I find the library very well laid out and often use the online member services to search and request books etc. They actually have a very broad selection of materials available for different age groups and purposes. The gallery space often has local exhibitions in arts-related fields and I've been to a fair few openings here and it's always an interesting mix of people. They also put on a nice nibbles spread and wine donated by local Patritti at these functions. Also the centre often has speakers or other cultural events happening for very reasonable prices, so keep an eye on the community calendar. In a nutshell - not just a library! read more

Marion Cultural Centre - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Oaklands Park, SA

The library has helpful staff with access to any book in South Australia which is great. I go to this library often. I am not keen on the exterior it is dated. I really do not like the cafe attached to the library the smell of grease lingers into the library read more