Adelaide Festival Centre Reopens After Major Theatre Upgrades
Festival Theatre (Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe)
Adelaide Festival Centre has re-opened after extensive redevelopment, with audiences now able to experience the upgraded seating, foyers, staging and lighting.
In the foyers, visitors are welcomed by 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.
The ground floor of the Festival Theatre foyer has been renamed the Ian and Pamela Wall Foyer, recognising their significant contribution to the arts – including the milestone $10 million donation to Adelaide Festival Centre in 2025.
Inspired by an art rebellion, Adelaide Festival Centre has also opened Angry Penguin restaurant. Executive Chef Alex Katsman delivers elevated dining, European technique and local ingredients — with a side of nostalgia.
Designed by COX Architecture, redevelopment works across Adelaide Festival Centre commenced in June 2025, delivered by managing contractor Built. Managed jointly by the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Department of the Premier and Cabinet and Adelaide Festival Centre, the project employed more than 200 construction workers at its peak. The upgrades include;
- New auditorium seats in Festival Theatre, Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre
- New foyer and auditorium lighting in all three theatres
- New stage flooring in Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre
- Improved pedestrian access to Adelaide Festival Centre with a new lift and staircase
- New auditorium and foyer carpet in Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre
- New foyer furniture in Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre
- Refurbished Festival Theatre dressing room wet areas
- Upgraded Banquet Room, including new ceiling and paint
Space Theatre (Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe)
South Australian Premier the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP: “South Australia is proud to be the festival state, and this extensive redevelopment ensures that Adelaide Festival Centre will remain the Heart of the Arts in our state, continuing to foster local talent and attract world class productions for many years to come.”
The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, South Australian Minister for Arts: “The Malinauskas Government is committed to cementing South Australia’s legacy as a world-class arts, cultural and creative capital for the future. This upgrade will ensure generations to come can enjoy the power of the arts.”
Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould: “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.”
Australia’s first capital city performing arts centre, Adelaide Festival Centre opened in 1973, and has showcased many big names across 53 years including Billy Crystal, Cate Blanchett, David Suchet, Ella Fitzgerald, Eric Clapton, Joanna Lumley, Joni Mitchell, Liza Minnelli, Nick Cave, Olivia Newton-John, Paul Kelly and Tim Minchin.
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.
Dunstan Playhouse (Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe)