Brisbane Powerhouse | Brisbane

The Brisbane Powerhouse is one of the city’s premier cultural venues, blending art, performance, history, and innovation. Located along the Brisbane River in the vibrant suburb of New Farm, this former industrial building has been transformed into a contemporary arts and entertainment hub. Known for its creative spaces, live performances, and festivals, the Brisbane Powerhouse is a beloved institution in Brisbane's cultural scene.

Overview

Location: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm, Brisbane, Queensland

History: Originally a power station, now a multi-disciplinary arts venue

Facilities: Multiple performance spaces, galleries, cafés, bars, and event spaces

Function: Hosts theater productions, live music, dance performances, comedy shows, festivals, exhibitions, and more

History

The Brisbane Powerhouse was originally constructed in 1928 as a power station to supply electricity to the Brisbane Tramway Company. The building’s unique industrial design, characterized by large steel beams, brick walls, and tall windows, made it an imposing structure that played a vital role in Brisbane’s early power infrastructure.

By the late 20th century, as the power station became obsolete, the building was decommissioned. In the 2000s, after significant renovation, the Brisbane Powerhouse was repurposed as an arts venue and officially opened to the public in 2000. The adaptive reuse of the building preserved its historical features while transforming it into a modern cultural facility, creating a dynamic space for contemporary arts, performance, and community engagement.

Architecture and Design

The Brisbane Powerhouse combines elements of Art Deco and industrial architecture, with its high ceilings, exposed beams, and open spaces. The building's industrial roots are still evident in its design, with brick facades, massive windows, and raw concrete floors. The adaptive reuse preserved the character of the space while introducing contemporary elements like modern lighting and acoustics to cater to the diverse range of performances held there.

Performance Spaces

The Brisbane Powerhouse is home to several performance spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere and capacity:

The Powerhouse Theatre: A versatile and intimate theater space that hosts a variety of performances, including theater, comedy, and dance. It has a seating capacity of around 300, making it perfect for both large-scale productions and smaller, more intimate performances.

The Turbine Platform: This is an outdoor stage located beside the Brisbane River, ideal for music festivals, live concerts, and artistic performances. The Turbine Platform is often used during major festivals and events, offering stunning views of the river and the city skyline.

The Infinity Theatre: A smaller, more flexible venue suitable for performances, workshops, and community events. It is designed to accommodate experimental performances, discussions, and interactive shows.

The Studio: A smaller, more intimate performance space that often hosts contemporary art performances, spoken word events, and experimental theater.

Arts and Cultural Programming

The Brisbane Powerhouse is known for its diverse and dynamic arts programming, which caters to a wide range of interests and tastes. Some of the key offerings include:

Theater: The Powerhouse regularly hosts theater productions from local, national, and international artists, covering everything from drama to musicals.

Live Music: The venue is a major destination for live music, offering a variety of concerts across genres, including indie, classical, electronic, jazz, and more. It’s a popular spot for both up-and-coming artists and established performers.

Comedy: The Brisbane Powerhouse is a key venue during events like the Brisbane Comedy Festival, where comedians from around the world perform stand-up and improvisational comedy shows.

Dance and Contemporary Performance: The venue also supports dance performances and contemporary art shows that push the boundaries of traditional performance.

Festivals: The Brisbane Powerhouse is often involved in major Brisbane festivals, such as the Brisbane Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Brisbane International Film Festival.

Exhibitions: The venue also features art exhibitions showcasing visual arts, installations, and photography, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists.

Dining and Bars

The Brisbane Powerhouse offers several options for dining and relaxation:

The Engine Room: The main café and bar at the Powerhouse, offering a range of modern Australian dishes, coffee, and drinks. With its relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great spot for pre-show dining or enjoying a drink after a performance.

Bar Alto: Situated with a riverfront view, Bar Alto is a stylish bar and restaurant offering Italian-inspired dishes, a range of cocktails, wines, and craft beers. It’s an excellent venue for both casual dining and special events.

Outdoor Dining: With its location near the river, the Powerhouse also features outdoor seating areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge.

Events and Festivals

The Brisbane Powerhouse hosts numerous annual events and festivals that showcase the best of Brisbane's cultural scene:

Brisbane Festival: The Powerhouse is a central hub during the annual Brisbane Festival, a celebration of music, theater, dance, and visual arts.

Brisbane Comedy Festival: The venue regularly hosts performances as part of this popular festival, featuring a wide range of comedy shows, from stand-up to improv.

Brisbane International Film Festival: The Brisbane Powerhouse is one of the key venues for the Brisbane International Film Festival, screening international and local films, as well as hosting filmmaker Q&As and panel discussions.

Education and Community Engagement

In addition to performances and exhibitions, the Brisbane Powerhouse is dedicated to community engagement and education. It offers a range of workshops, masterclasses, and public programs for emerging artists, students, and the general public. These programs provide opportunities for creative development and allow individuals to engage with the arts in a hands-on way.

Access and Parking

Public Transport: The Brisbane Powerhouse is well-served by public transport, with bus and ferry services available nearby. The New Farm Park Ferry Terminal is just a short walk from the venue, and several bus routes also stop close to the Powerhouse.

Parking: The venue provides limited on-site parking, and additional street parking is available in the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport when possible due to the venue's proximity to the river and the popularity of nearby areas.

Nearby Attractions

New Farm Park: Just a short walk from the Powerhouse, New Farm Park is a beautiful public park offering expansive lawns, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for a stroll or a family day out before or after visiting the Powerhouse.

Howard Smith Wharves: Across the river, this vibrant dining and entertainment precinct sits beneath the Story Bridge, offering restaurants, bars, and event spaces.

Brisbane Riverwalk: The Powerhouse is located along the Brisbane River, making it easy to access the Riverwalk, which offers scenic views of the city and the river.

Conclusion

The Brisbane Powerhouse is a dynamic and multi-faceted venue that plays a central role in the city’s cultural life. With its rich history, diverse program of events, world-class performances, and community engagement, it remains one of Brisbane’s most cherished landmarks. Whether you're an art lover, a music fan, or someone looking for a unique cultural experience, the Brisbane Powerhouse offers something for everyone.