MEDIA STATEMENT: Consultation opens for the name of new theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Consultation opens for the name of new theatre at Queensland Performing Arts Centre 

• Construction on Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) new theatre is more than 85 percent complete. 
• The new venue is due to open in 2026, making QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof. 
• Public consultation is now open to help decide the theatre name with entries closing at 5pm on Saturday 10 May 2025.  

The Crisafulli Government is powering ahead on the construction of Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s new theatre and is calling on the community to help choose the name.  

QPAC’s fifth theatre with 1,500 seats, creates capacity for an additional 300,000 visitors each year, making it the largest performing arts venue in Australia under one roof.  

The bespoke theatre features a world-class auditorium with a 15x15-metre stage, balcony seating, two modern foyers, and a stunning 217-panel curved glass façade.  

The previous Labor Government failed to deliver the new project when it was needed, with the timeline blowing out by three and a half years.  

The Crisafulli Government today opened consultation for Queenslanders who can now vote on their favourite name for the new theatre or suggest an alternative on Arts Queensland’s website.  

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek encouraged the community to submit their idea or vote for a pre-selected name. 

“The pre-selected names of Glasshouse and Lantern are inspired by the theatre’s shimmering façade, while Watershed and Russell reference the theatre’s location and proximity to the river,” Minister Langbroek said. 

“We’re excited to soon close the curtain on the construction phase and premiere this incredible venue to audiences across Queensland and the globe.  

“From Shakespeare to Beethoven’s symphonies, theatres host global sensations every day, but this theatre will be a masterpiece in its own right. 

“We can’t wait to shine a spotlight on our talented arts workers in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond, to enhance our reputation as a vibrant arts destination.”  

Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor praised the Major Projects team within his department and thanked the workers who have been bringing the new performing arts centre to life.  

“This new theatre will be an artistic masterpiece and, with 90 tonnes of Queensland timber in the auditorium and an iconic curved glass facade symbolising the twists and turns of the Brisbane River, it will truly be a showcase of our state,” Minister O’Connor said.  

“Unfortunately, the former Labor Government’s mismanagement caused this project’s timeline to blowout by three and a half years. 

“We’re getting on with the job of fixing Labor’s mess and we will deliver a new theatre all Queenslanders can be proud of.” 

QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the new theatre would be completed in what will be a milestone year for QPAC.