Where is qpac

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: QPAC, or the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, is located at South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, at 100 Grey Street. It opened on April 20, 1985, and spans over 44,000 square meters of performance and public space.

Key Facts

QPAC opened on April 20, 1985, after a construction period beginning in 1979
It is situated at 100 Grey Street, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland
The complex covers over 44,000 square meters of performance and public space
QPAC hosts over 1,500 performances annually, drawing more than 1.2 million visitors
It houses four main performance venues: the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, Cremorne Theatre, and Playhouse

Overview

QPAC, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, is a premier cultural landmark located in the heart of Brisbane, Australia. Situated within the South Bank Parklands, it serves as a hub for national and international performances across theatre, dance, music, and opera.

The venue was officially opened on April 20, 1985, following years of planning and construction that began in 1979. Its striking modernist architecture and riverside location make it a focal point for both tourists and locals.

Location: QPAC is located at 100 Grey Street, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, directly across from the Brisbane River.
Opening Date: The centre officially opened on April 20, 1985, with a gala performance attended by dignitaries and cultural leaders.
Floor Area: The complex spans over 44,000 square meters, including backstage facilities, foyers, and public plazas.
Annual Attendance: More than 1.2 million people visit QPAC each year for performances and public events.
Performance Count: QPAC hosts over 1,500 performances annually, ranging from Broadway musicals to classical concerts.

How It Works

QPAC operates as a multi-venue performing arts complex managed by the Queensland Performing Arts Trust under the Queensland Government. Each venue is acoustically engineered and equipped for diverse performance types.

Lyric Theatre: With 2,000 seats, this is the largest venue, designed for large-scale musicals, opera, and ballet, featuring a fly tower for stage rigging.
Concert Hall: Home to the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, it seats 1,700 and features a 6,000-pipe Grand Organ installed in 1985.
Playhouse: A mid-sized venue with 750 seats, optimized for drama, contemporary dance, and smaller theatrical productions.
Cremorne Theatre: This flexible space holds 350 people and hosts experimental works, cabaret, and community performances.
Backstage Infrastructure: Includes 12 dressing rooms, rehearsal studios, and a scene dock for large set construction and storage.
Accessibility: QPAC is fully accessible, with 36 wheelchair spaces across venues and audio description services for the visually impaired.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of QPAC’s main performance venues by capacity, primary use, and technical features.

Venue	Capacity	Primary Use	Opening Year	Notable Feature
Lyric Theatre	2,000	Musicals, Opera, Ballet	1985	Fly tower for stage effects
Concert Hall	1,700	Orchestral, Choral	1985	6,000-pipe Grand Organ
Playhouse	750	Drama, Contemporary Dance	1985	Thrust stage design
Cremorne Theatre	350	Cabaret, Experimental	1985	Flexible seating layout
QPAC Outdoor Stage	2,500	Festivals, Public Events	2010	Riverside location

The table highlights how QPAC’s venues are tailored to different artistic needs, from grand orchestral performances to intimate experimental theatre. Its integration with South Bank’s cultural precinct enhances public access to the arts.

Why It Matters

QPAC plays a vital role in Australia’s cultural infrastructure, supporting local artists and attracting international productions. Its presence boosts tourism and contributes significantly to Brisbane’s creative economy.

Economic Impact: QPAC contributes over $100 million annually to Queensland’s economy through tourism and employment.
Arts Education: Hosts over 50,000 students yearly in workshops and school performances.
Indigenous Programs: Features the annual Yugambeh Festival, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
International Reach: Partners with global institutions like the Royal Opera House and Bolshoi Theatre.
Community Access: Offers free outdoor performances at the Riverstage and South Bank Piazza.
Sustainability: Implements energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.

As a cornerstone of Brisbane’s cultural identity, QPAC continues to evolve, embracing innovation while preserving artistic excellence for future generations.