Delve in to Brisbane’s art scene for a show, an exhibition, or even just dinner and drinks at one of the city’s best-loved venues down by the river.
For almost fifty years until 1971, the Brisbane Powerhouse was an electricity plant that powered the city’s tram system. After twenty years of disuse and dereliction, the city came up with the idea of putting the building to use for the city once again – this time as a multipurpose art centre. The centre opened its doors in 2000 and quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s most popular arts venues, hosting anything from alternative plays and indie films to photo exhibitions and jam sessions.The Powerhouse retained a lot of the original brickwork and together with exhibition spaces and theatres, these walls now also house two restaurants, bars, an open stage, conference rooms, viewing galleries and riverfront terraces. Join the city’s hip arty crowd at a movie, burlesque show, photography exhibition or jazz concert, or simply take in the laid-back atmosphere along with the joggers and dog-walkers who stop for refreshments at the scenic riverside terraces.One of the reasons for the centre’s popularity is that most of the regular shows and rotating exhibitions are free, with only the more high-profile gigs and concerts charging a fee – check the Powerhouse website for details of what’s on during your visit. Many people also come to see the Powerhouse’s unique architecture, which is best taken in from the top floors where you’ll find original fittings from the power plant alongside graffiti by the squatters who used to live here. The centre is also a popular dining location, and it’s always advisable to book ahead for the popular Watt restaurant upstairs and Alto below, where you can enjoy fine dining as well as coffee or cocktails.The Brisbane Powerhouse is located in the city’s New Farm suburb, 3.2 kilometres from the central Brisbane. A charming ferry ride from the city centre will bring you there, but not in a hurry. There are also a number of buses which stop nearby, and while there’s plenty of free parking, you should get there early on performance evenings as it tends to fill up quickly.
