The Adelaide Festival Centre has undergone a $55 million upgrade, featuring refreshed theatres, enhanced lighting and staging, improved accessibility, and an exciting new dining experience.
The Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre each have new auditorium seats and lighting, and modern foyers, helping to create a more immersive theatre experience.
The Dunstan Playhouse and the Space Theatre have new stage flooring, and new carpet in the foyer and auditorium.
Accessibility has been strengthened through improved pedestrian access, including a new lift, staircase and upgrade of the Western Plaza.
The upgraded foyers will reopen on 23 February with From Mid-Century to Now: Selections from Adelaide Festival Centre’s Collections, a free survey exhibition showcasing the centre’s significant visual and performing arts heritage.
From 27 February, audiences can experience the transformed theatres with a powerful lineup of performances during the Adelaide Festival, including:
- A new interpretation of The Cherry Orchard
- History of Violence by renowned director Thomas Ostermeier
- Re-shaping Identity, an energetic contemporary dance production
New restaurant Angry Penguin will also open on 27 February for lunch and dinner. Inspired by an art rebellion, executive Chef Alex Katsman delivers elevated dining, European technique and local ingredients with a side of nostalgia.
Patrons are invited to leave their mark on Australian theatre history with personalised seat plaques available to purchase for the refurbished seats in both Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse.
Since opening in 1973 under the vision of Don Dunstan, the Adelaide Festival Centre has stood as a cornerstone of Australia’s performing arts scene. As the nation’s first major performing arts centre, it helped establish South Australia’s reputation as a cultural leader.
This latest transformation ensures the venue continues attracting outstanding productions and creative talent for generations to come.
Chief Executive Kate Gould said: "I am delighted to welcome back our audiences to experience the beloved Adelaide Festival Centre as we re-open with greater accessibility and comfort for both our patrons and our artists."
