As you approach the Geelong Arts Centre, look to your left. You’ll know you’ve found it when you spot a modern, concrete building pairing minimalist design with large glass windows, which offer a peek into the bustling interiors. You’ll notice the signage on the building, advertising the vibrant arts scene within!
Geelong Arts Centre, formerly the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), is a performing arts, functions, and events venue smack-dab in central Geelong, Victoria. The centre sprawls between Little Malop and Ryrie Streets, and it’s not just one venue but a whole complex of them!
A long time ago in the 1970s, folks dreamt of bringing a performing arts centre to life here. The place where it stands had a bunch of older buildings. One was a temperance hall, put up in 1858/59, which served as a grammar school later and had some fancy architectural details. It was knocked down in 1978 to make way for GPAC. Interestingly, the stones from that hall were stored for future use, but let’s just hope they didn’t lose the instructions on how to put it together again!
Another historical building on the site was a Mechanics' Institute, originally from 1846. It hit the snooze button early on due to a fire in 1926 and came back as Plaza Theatre. Part of its facade is still up and about within the current centre.
The Ryrie Street Presbyterian Church, also part of this ensemble, had its grand opening in 1857! The congregation must have had wanderlust because they moved in 1914, leaving behind the church that would become part of today’s Arts Centre.
Construction on the new centre kicked off in 1978, with a Brutalist design using a lot of exposed concrete. It opened in style in 1981. Over the years, the centre has gone through various redevelopments, evolving into what we now know as Geelong Arts Centre.
Even as you’re standing here, the centre is undergoing a massive redevelopment! By late 2023, it’s expected to unveil a 500-seat theatre, a 250-seater, a black box theatre, outdoor atrium, restaurants, and more. Look out for the exciting new facilities when it’s all wrapped up!
So here you are, in front of a venue that’s a blend of history, community spirit, and cutting-edge modern design - a true cultural hub of Geelong! Enjoy exploring!
Yearning to grasp further insights on the sponsorship, description and governance or the programs? Dive into the chat section below and ask away.
