It’s become a favourite among event planners and creative teams who want a luxurious, visually stunning space right in the heart of the city—and from a photographer’s perspective, it’s a venue that does half the work for you.
A Brief History of Metropolis Events
Located atop Southgate Melbourne, Metropolis Events opened in 2017 and quickly established itself as a leading venue for premium events. Its design reflects New York loft-style sophistication—with 9-metre high floor-to-ceiling windows, feature lighting, and uninterrupted views of the Melbourne skyline, including Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
The venue is privately owned and exclusively managed, which allows for consistent, high-level service across every event. It’s especially popular for high-end corporate functions, fashion events, and luxury product launches.
Why We Like It!
1. The Views Are Unreal
There’s no way around it—the views from Metropolis are breathtaking. As the sun sets and the city lights come on, the space transforms. The massive windows become a built-in backdrop for candid moments, speeches, and wide crowd shots. From a photography point of view, it’s a gift.
2. High-End Finishes and Styling
Every inch of the space is thoughtfully designed—from the black marble bar to the polished concrete floors and pendant lighting. These details matter in photos. They give every image that extra layer of texture and tone, which elevates the overall look and feel of your event coverage.
3. Flexible Space, Seamless Flow
The layout of Metropolis includes a grand staircase entry, a main event space with ample room for banquet or cocktail setups, and private green rooms for speakers or performers. This flexibility allows for smooth transitions between formalities, dinner service, and entertainment—essential for maintaining momentum and capturing a variety of moments throughout the night.
4. Central and Exclusive
Located in Southbank, Metropolis is easy for guests to access and feels connected to the energy of the city. But what sets it apart is its exclusivity—when you book the venue, it’s yours. No sharing the space or lobby with other events. That matters when you’re trying to create a cohesive branded or curated experience.
Events That Work Well at Metropolis
I’ve photographed a wide range of corporate functions here, including:
- Awards nights and gala dinners
- Executive leadership forums
- Luxury brand and media launches
- End-of-year celebrations
- Client appreciation and networking events
Each event has its own personality, but they all benefit from the same thing: a beautiful venue that enhances the guest experience and photographs like a dream.
Photography Tips for Metropolis Events
- Use the light: Golden hour across the Yarra River gives you soft, directional light through the windows—ideal for speeches or posed group shots before the sun sets.
- Feature the skyline: Don’t be afraid to backlight your subjects if it means showcasing Melbourne’s skyline in the frame.
- Shoot wide early: Before guests arrive, capture wide establishing shots of the styled venue with the city backdrop fully visible.
- Know your angles: The venue’s lines, lighting features, and layout lend themselves to creative composition. It’s a place to lean into your craft a little.
Final Thoughts
Metropolis Events isn’t just another pretty venue—it’s a space that actively enhances the atmosphere and storytelling of any corporate function. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s reliable, stunning, and a pleasure to shoot in every time.
If you’re planning a high-impact event and want your photography to match the quality of the venue, I’d love to work with you.
Book Photography for Your Metropolis Event
Get in touch with CBD Photography Melbourne to discuss your upcoming event at Metropolis. Whether it’s a celebration or a strategic corporate launch, I’ll make sure it’s captured in the best possible light.
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