The Franklin Community and the management committee have a long-standing commitment to the running, use, conservation, maintenance and upgrading of the building. The Palais Theatre is now the cultural heart of Franklin and holds many events throughout the year.
Built in 1912, the Palais is the grandest of all public halls in the Huon Valley. The building was originally a Mechanics Institute and over time has housed a library, cinema, meeting rooms as well as hosting numerous private events including weddings.
The theatre is regularly used for performances and concerts, monthly markets, private events, monthly movie screenings and community consultations both by Huon Valley Council and other enterprises.
- Category 1 and Category 3 facility
- Capacity 260 people
- 140 chairs; 20 trestle tables (plus balcony seating)
- Main hall (Category 1), and Nonie Carr room (Category 3) downstairs; Supper room upstairs (Category 3)
- Kitchen upstairs (simple preparation and heating of food only – no cooking); bar area downstairs in Nonie Carr room
- Disability access (ground floor only)
- Public toilets
- Stage
- Digital projector and screen
Functions include:
- Weddings
- Funeral Services
- Meetings
- Theatre Productions
- Music Productions including concerts and discos
- Private events – sports and musical clubs
- Movie Productions, including a monthly Movie Night
- Art and Craft Groups
- Exercise Classes