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Brown's Mart: A Historic Hub for Territory Performing Arts

Experience Darwin's vibrant arts scene at Brown's Mart, a historic building offering theatre, music, and community events in an intimate setting.

★★★★★4.6 (117)

Brown's Mart, a heritage-listed building in Darwin City, is a vibrant arts precinct and theatre with a rich history dating back to 1885. It hosts a diverse range of performances and events, supporting local artists and offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

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A brief summary to Brown's Mart

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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12 Smith St, Darwin City, Northern Territory, 0800, AU

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    Getting There

    Walking

    Brown's Mart is located at 12 Smith St in Darwin City, easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Smith Street Mall, head towards Civic Park; Brown's Mart is at the end of the mall, near the corner of Smith Street and Harry Chan Avenue. The walk is generally flat and takes only a few minutes from the heart of the city.

    Public Transport

    Brown's Mart is conveniently located next to the Darwin Bus Interchange. Check the NT Government Public Transport website for the latest bus schedules and routes. From the interchange, it's a short walk to the theatre. A single fare for a short trip within Darwin City costs around $3.

    Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-share services can drop you off directly at Brown's Mart. A taxi from the Darwin City center to Brown's Mart would cost approximately $14, depending on traffic. Uber and 13cabs are popular options. Keep in mind that a 20% night surcharge applies to taxi fares between 7 PM and 6 AM.

    Parking

    Street parking is available around Brown's Mart, with free parking after hours. The State Square Underground Car Park is also nearby, approximately 250 meters away, with 24/7 operation. Parking fees at the State Square Underground Car Park vary, but expect to pay around $4 per hour. Patrons with accessible parking permits can park in the service lane in front of the venue.

    Local tips

    Check the Brown's Mart website for upcoming shows and events, as the schedule varies.
    Arrive early for performances, as seating is general admission and first-come, first-served.
    Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles in the city.
    Enjoy a pre-show drink at the bar, which offers a full range of beverages.

    Discover more about Brown's Mart

    Located in the heart of Darwin City, Brown's Mart stands as one of the oldest buildings in the area, dating back to 1885. Originally built as a Mining Exchange by Mr. Brown, a trader and Mayor of Darwin, the building has served many purposes throughout its history. Designed by John George Knight, it has architectural, historic, and social significance. Over the years, Brown's Mart has been a hub for commerce, storage, a shipping and insurance agency, a mining exchange, and even a naval workshop during WWII. It has withstood cyclones and wartime bombings, टेस्टament to its resilience. In 1972, it transformed into a community arts space, fostering local talent and becoming a cherished venue for performing arts. Today, Brown's Mart continues to thrive as a multi-performance space, offering theatre, live music, and community events. It is home to Brown's Mart Arts, which supports the creation of new performance work, and the Happy Yess, a local live music venue. The venue is known for its intimate setting, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to showcasing diverse and thought-provoking stories.

    A brief summary to Brown's Mart

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