Geelong Arts Centre Grand Opening

Marking a significant milestone after more than four years of visionary design, construction, and collaboration, Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) was thrilled to throw open the doors to their transformed Little Malop Street building on 19 August!

Backed by A$140 million from the Victorian Government, the new centre welcomes a new era of creativity, culture, and entertainment for the region.

From 19 August to 23 September, GAC’s Grand Opening Festival hosted an exhilarating lineup of talent that captivated audiences and brought a burst of excitement to Geelong’s cultural landscape. And while the Grand Opening Festival may now be over, visitors continue to be treated to a series of unforgettable performances and events spanning music, comedy, theatre – you name it!

After many years of community and stakeholder consultation, the design of the Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street Redevelopment has been an extraordinary collaboration.

Coming together as co-designers, Geelong Arts Centre, ARM Architecture, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the wider First Nations community have worked together to welcome Country into the very fabric of the design and found opportunities for deep collaboration.

Together, they have woven traditional stories of the land, language, water and sky, and the colours and textures of Moonah trees, ochre, and granite stone throughout the layers of the building, and look forward to a bright future celebrating diversity in all forms.

Entertainment lovers visiting the centre will be dazzled by The Story House; a multi-format 550-seat theatre expanding to 850 in ‘live gig’ mode and The Open House; a 250-seat contemporary hybrid venue featuring a giant door connecting the space to Little Malop Street Plaza, as well as dynamic and colourful foyer and bar facilities alongside a range of event spaces, including the opening of the centre’s dedicated dining space, Tutti.

Tutti, meaning “with all voices or instruments performing together” in Italian, is poised to become a must-dine destination for connoisseurs of both food and culture. As a harmonious extension of the artistic landscape that surrounds it, Tutti is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience that embodies the fusion of flavour, creativity, and community. With the stage set for a myriad of incredible performances at Geelong Arts Centre, Tutti steps in to provide a symphony of flavours that beautifully complement the artistic symphony. Under the expert guidance of Michelin-trained Executive Chef Nathan Darlington, Tutti is on a mission to redefine local dining. A meticulously crafted menu, boasting an impressive 80% locally sourced ingredients from within an 80km radius, showcases the region’s finest producers. Diners can anticipate a curated journey through Geelong’s gastronomic landscape, designed to accommodate a spectrum of dietary preferences. Tutti aspires to be Geelong’s premier destination for immersing oneself in the city’s multifaceted culinary and cultural realm, all within a single captivating setting.

Geelong Arts Centre is a celebration of artistic excellence and is deeply committed to enriching the whole region. As the centre embarks on this exciting new chapter, they are dedicated to providing access to inspirational arts experiences, nurturing creativity, and creating community.

GAC welcomes everyone to experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Geelong and strives to ensure that the benefits of artistic expression continue to resonate throughout the community for years to come. To explore the incredible array of events taking place at Geelong Arts Centre, head to geelongartscentre.org.au.