The Glasshouse Theatre will open in 2026, joining the Playhouse, Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall and Cremorne Theatre to make QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof.
The new theatre will:
- Position Queensland as a vibrant cultural destination ahead of Brisbane 2032
- Present a new level of performance experiences using the latest technology
- Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultures
- Expand Queensland's arts and cultural offerings
- Support national and international touring circuits
- Showcase Queensland's local talent and stories
- Create new employment opportunities
- Meet demand for greater access to Brisbane venues
Project background
In May 2018, the Queensland Government announced it would invest in the delivery of a new theatre on the Playhouse Green site co-located with and operated by QPAC.
The project will deliver a minimum 1500-capacity state-of-the-art theatre for Queensland, creating a fifth theatre for QPAC with the potential to welcome an additional 300,000 visitors a year across five venue spaces.
Design
In May 2019, the Queensland Government announced Blight Rayner + Snøhetta as the successful Principal Consultant design team for the new theatre at QPAC. Drawing inspiration from the Brisbane River as an important meeting place for telling stories, the concept design respects the heritage listed Queensland Cultural Centre while creating a new place with its own identity.
Key design features of the project include:
- an iconic rippled glass facade
- transparent foyer spaces
- a single balcony auditorium delivering enhanced audience sight line
- provision for additional studio spaces under the theatre’s auditorium
- significant First Nations artwork in the external entry forecourt.
The design has been guided by the Conservation Management Plan, commissioned by Arts Queensland.
Benefits
Timeline
Work is well underway to progress the new theatre.
Concept images
View and download a selection of Glasshouse Theatre concept images.