New QPAC performing arts space to be named Glasshouse Theatre

The new theatre at Brisbane’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre is to be named the Glasshouse Theatre in recognition of its stunning glass façade.

The naming by the Queensland Government of QPAC’s fifth venue follows almost half of the more than 5000 people that participated in a consultation backed naming the venue Glasshouse Theatre.

With QPAC’s fifth performing arts space, making it Australia’s largest performing arts centre under one roof, the new name was chosen following a month-long consultation process that gathered more than 5000 responses.

Members of the public were invited to choose from four options Glasshouse Theatre, Lantern Theatre, Watershed Theatre and Russell Street Theatre, or suggest an alternative. About 900 suggestions were received.

The construction of the $184 million theatre, funded with Queensland Government investment of $159 million and $25 million from QPAC, is an architectural and engineering feat with seamless integration into the heritage-listed QPAC.

The Glasshouse Theatre will have the capacity to accommodate the highest technical and artistic demands of the latest touring blockbuster productions.

The design is visually stunning with a sweeping staircase, spacious bars and amenities and an auditorium, finished off with sustainable Queensland ironbark timber.

Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the vote gathered significant interest, noting “when the Glasshouse Theatre opens next year, it will make QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof.

“This will enable even more locals and visitors to the state to experience world premieres, national exclusives and outstanding work from the state’s leading arts companies.”

QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the announcement of the new theatre’s name signalled a landmark step in the venue’s journey, added “the naming of the Glasshouse Theatre coincides with the next phase in the venue’s construction, arguably the most exciting part of the project, which is the fit-out of all the details that distinguish it as a theatre.

“We are delighted to see dressing rooms being fitted out, the stage all set, orchestra pit installed, bars and foyers coming together and 1500 seats in place.

“We’ll soon be announcing the performances that will comprise the opening season and also our plan to host an ‘open house’ that will allow our community to come through and help us test it out before we officially open.”

Glasshouse Theatre is on track to be completed by the end of the year, before audiences are welcomed in 2026.

It will become QPAC’s fifth venue alongside the Playhouse, Lyric, Concert Hall and Cremorne Theatre.

Images: Design concepts for the soon-to-open and newly named Glasshouse Theatre. Credit: Seele.