The Italian Forum, located in Leichhardt on Norton Street, serves as a vibrant hub for Sydney’s Italian community, offering a variety of cultural experiences. Within its premises, the Italian Forum Cultural Centre stands as a central feature, acting as a multipurpose venue that serves both the Italian community and the wider public.
The Cultural Centre includes a 365-seat theatre and auditorium, which features a flat floor layout, retractable seating, and a stage area complete with a proscenium and curtain, allowing for a variety of events, including concerts, recitals, film screenings, fashion shows, and other functions. The theatre’s octagonal design spans two stories, with a central skylight that provides natural light for daytime events. Three-dimensional origami elements integrate the theatre’s interior and foyer areas, creating a cohesive and unique design.
The Italian Forum also offers a gallery, function rooms, kitchens, bars, administrative offices, and back-of-house facilities, making it a comprehensive cultural hub. Additionally, the Italian Forum houses a the inner west Leichhardt library, providing literary resources to the local Italian community and those interested in Italian culture.
Beyond the Cultural Centre, a galleried walkway leads visitors into a space reminiscent of Italy, with Tuscan-inspired architecture, hues of tan and burnt red, and a grand opening. The Galleria Designer Boutiques offer a curated selection of European and Australian fashion, alongside accessory and homeware stores, jewelry, hair and beauty specialists, and casual cafés.
Overlooking the stunning outdoor piazza, a variety of cafés and restaurants provide diverse dining options, ranging from cheerful trattoria-style to fine Italian cuisine. Situated 5 kilometers west of Sydney’s CBD, the Italian Forum is the cultural home of Sydney’s Italian community, which predominantly settled in the area post-World War II, affectionately known as “Sydney’s Little Italy.”
