It was 2 June 1973 when the curtain rose on the Adelaide Festival Centre - the nation's first capital city arts venue.

Fifty years later the venue, which welcomes more than 1 million people each year into its theatres, restaurants and gallery spaces, remains one of Australia's most active and popular arts centres.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, a concert was held on Friday 2 June, featuring a showcase of the five festivals hosted by the centre each year - DreamBIG Childrens Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, OzAsia Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival and OUR MOB.

The special event was hosted by Libby O’Donovan OAM, and featured the talents of Slava and Sharon Grigoryan, Nancy Bates, Katie Aspel, Michael Griffiths, Counterpoint Ensemble, Lazaro Numa and the South Australian Public Primary Schools Choir.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM said the venue had been at the heart of arts in South Australia for the past 50 years.

“On our golden anniversary we look back at our rich past and ahead to our future with great pride,” Mr Gautier said.

“It was strongly supported by the South Australian community 50 years ago and continues to be a place where arts and culture flourish.

“Adelaide Festival Centre was the first major arts centre to open in our country and shall always aspire to be the best."

Public events will be held throughout the year to mark the anniversary.

“We look forward to celebrating our 50th with the entire community through a year-long season of public events, that represent our rich history and the bright future of arts,” Mr Gautier said.

“We invite you, our friends and colleagues, to join the celebrations.”

For more information about the celebrations visit the Adelaide Festival Centre.