Brisbane's Glasshouse Theatre Set to Open in March After Delays
Construction of Brisbane's Glasshouse Theatre has concluded after a four-year delay, with the venue scheduled to open to the public in March.
Rachel Healy, Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), announced an open day on March 7 for the public to explore the theatre. The first performances are slated to begin on March 27.
Ms. Healy stated that the opening would invigorate Queensland's art scene.
Construction Journey and Setbacks
Construction for the taxpayer-funded theatre began in 2020, with an initial target completion in 2022. The project experienced several setbacks, contributing to the significant delay. These included:
- Site inundation by floods in 2022.
- A cracked glass panel caused by a crane in July 2024.
- A temporary halt in May 2025 due to a worker receiving a static shock.
Design Inspired by Queensland
Architect Jayson Blight indicated that the theatre's wavy glass facade was inspired by the Brisbane River. The earthy yellow carpet, he noted, drew inspiration from Queensland's golden beaches.
He noted the design aimed to reflect Queensland's unique climate and colors, distinguishing it from other theatres globally.
QPAC Becomes Australia's Largest Performing Arts Centre
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed that the Glasshouse Theatre's addition would establish QPAC as Australia's largest performing arts center under one roof. He projected an increase of 300,000 visitors annually for QPAC.
Langbroek also stated that the construction cost blowout would be covered by the construction company, Lendlease, not taxpayers.
Inaugural Performance
The inaugural performance will be Queensland Ballet's "Messa da Requiem," commencing on March 27.