- Queensland's iconic new Glasshouse Theatre is complete, with testing and training underway ahead of welcoming audiences.
- Glasshouse Theatre features striking contemporary design and cutting-edge technology to enhance audience experience.
- Queenslanders are invited to attend a free Community Day to explore the new theatre next month.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future through a thriving creative scene and world-class visitor experience in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.
Construction of the new Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is now complete, with the Crisafulli Government set to open its doors next month for Queenslanders to experience the iconic masterpiece. The spectacular multi-million-dollar transformation of QPAC will reinforce Queensland's reputation as a cultural tourism destination, which is a key priority of the Crisafulli Government's new 10-year arts and culture strategy Queensland's Time to Shine.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor. Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Queenslanders would be able to visit the modern marvel at a free community day on Saturday, 7th March 2026. "Glasshouse Theatre is a world-class venue that will make QPAC Australia's largest performing arts venue under one roof," Minister Langbroek said. "From its stunning architecture and enhanced technical capabilities to its breathtaking façade, Glasshouse Theatre is a game-changer that will put Queensland on the map as a major drawcard for tourists, performers and productions. "The 1500-capacity auditorium features sustainable Queensland ironbark timber which offers superior acoustics and enhanced audience sightlines across two levels, with every seat a winner. "Glasshouse Theatre belongs to Queenslanders and the Crisafulli Government is proud to be delivering Queensland's Time to Shine, a new 10-year strategy to enhance our thriving creative sector and vibrant State-wide arts scene. "After a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, we are committed to delivering a thriving creative sector with a portfolio investment of $420.7 million which includes a cultural legacy plan, an arts education and creative careers roadmap, and increased support for regional arts and culture. "The QPAC team is now undertaking extensive training and testing to ensure the best patron experience before the theatre's incredible opening program of local and international productions commence from late-March 2026."
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O'Connor said the Department of Housing and Public Works proudly oversaw the delivery of the landmark new theatre, working closely with contractor Lendlease.
"More than 2,400 workers were inducted onto this site, including 180 apprentices and trainees, completing over one million work hours to deliver this iconic new theatre," Minister O'Connor said.
"Our Public Works Major Projects team, our contractors and all our skilled tradies and subcontractors should be proud of the high quality of this incredible new addition to our South Bank precinct which Queenslanders will enjoy for generations to come."
Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the opening of Glasshouse Theatre was a momentous occasion for the arts in Queensland, and one to be celebrated with the entire state.
"The Glasshouse Theatre is a gift to the people of Queensland and our cultural sector, with the significant investment through the Queensland Government set to build on QPAC's 40-year legacy," Ms Healy said.
"This 1,500-seat theatre gives us greater capacity to attract world-class talent and Australian exclusives to Queensland – such as global music icon Sting in The Last Ship – and forges our reputation as one of Australia's biggest and busiest cultural precincts as we move towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Anticipation about the opening date of the Glasshouse has been building for a very long time and so we wanted to give our community the first opportunity to explore it. "We expect the guided tours will book out extremely quickly, but our doors will be open for the whole day on 7 March for anyone to explore our beautiful new theatre themselves and to experience small pop-up performances in the stunning light-soaked foyers.
"I encourage everyone to come and discover Queensland's newest cultural superstar."
Glasshouse Theatre will open its doors to audiences from late March for an exciting program of ticketed events.
They include Queensland Ballet's Messa da Requiem featuring with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, along with an Australian exclusive production of The Last Ship, written by and starring international icon, Sting, and the world premiere of The Drover's Wife – The Opera, based on the work of Queensland artist, Leah Purcell AM.
The $184 million Glasshouse Theatre was funded with Queensland Government investment of $159 million and $25 million from QPAC.
