Hordern Pavilion

Official address: 1 Driver Ave, Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia

Seating capacity: 5,500

Open date: 14 April 1924

More commonly, locally known as The Hodern, this work of architecture is located in Moore Park, Sydney, in the New South Wales hemisphere of Australia. More precisely, Hordern Pavilion sits on the grounds of the widely acclaimed old Sydney Showground.

It has been a socially significant landmark since it was constructed in 1924. Though it is today known as a rock concert and dance party hall, it was originally built for the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. The move was to meet mounting demand for a Royal Easter Show exhibition center.

The Hordern Pavilion’s name is in honor of the enterprising Hordern family, which comprises Anthony Horden and Sons, as well as Samuel Hordern, a past president (1915-1941) of the Royal Agricultural Society. The venue’s design follows the Inter-War Academic Classical Style, with rendered masonry packed with inside and out classical detailing.

Historical background

The work of Northern Sydney architecture consulting firm Trenchcard Smith & Maisey, the pavilion is said to have initially cost £45,000 to build. It was officially unveiled to the public on April 2nd, 1924 by then Premier Goerge Fuller, and over the years became the one place for championship boxing. World champions like Jeff Fenech fought here.

Between 1987 and 1990, it was the world’s wildest place to part. Within this short time, the venue was bubbling with creativity and decadence, allowing the city of Sydney to become the focus of the rising House Music phenomenon that virtually hypnotized youths from all corners of the planet. Through Hordern, dancing, booze, and music became a new funk.

Apart from the famed Easter Show, the Hordern Pavilion was used for a series of events, some of which were also unusual to an extent. In 1925, Australia’s first-ever covered tennis courts were built in the venue. It hosted the Australian model airplane contest in 1932 and became the sleeping quarters for the Youth Australia League in 1934. More interestingly, the venue was occupied by the army during WWII, serving mainly as a bulk store.

At the turn of 1972, the place was renovated for versatility. A good number of the columns were replaced with an as-of-then-cutting-edge truss system. False ceilings, together with a bar, ticketing boxes, and a mezzanine corporate box area, were also added, setting the scene for blossoming.

Post-renovation

The 11 years that followed the renovation proved extremely busy. During this period, the Hordern Pavilion took in 1,237 gigs, featuring industry sensations like Cat Stevens, Johnny Cash, Frank Zappa, The Supremes, BB King, Little Richard, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Village People, Stevie Wonder, Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Little River Band, Elton John Ray Charles, and Neil Diamond, among others.

Based on these achievements, it retained its position as the biggest indoor venue in the city, at least until 1983, when the now-demolished Sydney Entertainment Center was opened. But notwithstanding its popularity, the venue faced its fair share of challenges in the late 20th century, not excluding times of negligence and decline.

Nevertheless, the rejuvenation efforts were rightly undertaken, and they well led to renovations that contributed to modernizing the facility while conserving its historic allure. The pavilion underwent a major restoration, one with structural improvements and upgrades to its acoustics. This played a major role in bringing a superior experience for the audience and performers alike.

However, efforts to revitalize the venue were undertaken, leading to renovations and upgrades to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic charm. In 1991, the pavilion underwent a significant restoration project, which included structural improvements and enhancements to its acoustic properties, ensuring a superior experience for both performers and audiences.

Thankfully, the revitalization efforts paid off. Once again, the Hordern Pavillion came up as a leading entertainment venue, continuing to host various events-concerts, corporate functions, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and seminars, catering to a wide spectrum of tastes and interests.

Events at Hordern Pavilion

The event venue never runs dry of excitement; it has proven that time and again, with hostings like PURE Sydney 2022, Lil Tjay 2023, No Sleep Til’ Sydney (2010), Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Temper Trap, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Jane’s Addiction, and Jesus Jones.

Some of these events have not only sold out but also broken music and entertainment records in the Australian bubble. In keeping with this tradition, the Hordern Pavilion has a lineup of mouthwatering events for this year, with the best yet to come. It will play host to names like Maisie Peters, Touch Bass Sydney, Silvestre Dangond, Lainey Wilson, Mr Bungle, 6lack, and Macklemore.

If you are looking for family-friendly entertainment options here, some are suitable for all ages. Children's theater productions, interactive workshops, and educational exhibitions give families quality time together and a chance to immerse themselves in creative magic.

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How to Get to Hordern Pavilion

Whether you are visiting the Hordern Pavilion for the first or umpteenth time, getting there is relatively easy given its reputation as a city entertainment chokepoint. The venue is well-served by the city’s public transit networks, including buses and trains.

Moore Park, in particular, can be effortlessly reached with bus routes that stop near the venue. On the other hand, the nearest train station is Moore Park Station, which is a short distance from the center’s doorsteps. On foot, it takes less than 10 minutes.

For a convenient ride to the Hordern, you can use the Transport for NSW mobile application or website to plan and schedule your bus transit. With these platforms, you can identify the most suitable route to take there. The journey between Sydney and the pavilion takes roughly 20 minutes.

Convenient Parking Facilities to Explore

Parking is available on-site for visitors coming in by car. A designated area provides hassle-free access to the venue, but spaces may be limited during peak event times. Alternatives can be found nearby, yet it is vital to bear in mind any applicable regulations and restrictions.

The Hordern Pavilion is always a fun place to be, so there is hardly any chance you are coming out there disappointed, ever.