Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, the Thomas Dixon Centre is an iconic West End building redeveloped into a home for the state’s ballet company, Queensland Ballet. Originally commissioned by Thomas Dixon in 1908 to house a shoe and boot factory and designed by prominent Queensland architect Richard Gailey, the building encompasses its original Georgian Revival-style design and is a rare surviving example of an early twentieth century industrial factory in West End.
The significance of the building is enhanced by the incorporation of unusually decorative features for a building of its type, and its heritage component has been fully restored to its original grandeur. Following the 2022 refurbishment, the innovative design combining old and new now features six dance studios, a 350-seat theatre, production and costume workshops, stunning public art, and a rooftop terrace.
Queensland Ballet’s design objective was to create a cultural hub for community, and a landmark performing arts destination. In rejuvenating the Thomas Dixon Centre, the Company paid tribute to the culture, industry, and art which had previously been created on the site, as it proudly ushers in a future of expanded artistic creation, vision, and community connection. Just as Thomas Dixon did.
Listed events require ticket bookings.
SATURDAY 19 JULY
Guided Building Tours
8.30 – 10.00 am
10.30 – 12.00 pm
12.30 – 2.00 pm
2.30 – 4.00 pm
3.00 – 4.30pm Auslan tour
Community Dance Class Tasters
– Petite Pointers, for children aged 1-5 years and aims to foster creativity, musicality and movement in each child – 10.30 – 11.00 am
– Adult Ballet, open to all levels, incredible for building strength, coordination and flexibility- 11.15 – 11.45 am
– Barre & Tone, combines technique, repetition and endurance to activate those hard-to-reach muscles – 12.00 – 12.30 pm
Pointe Shoe Craft Session
suitable for children aged 6 – 12
11.15 – 11.30 am
Queensland Ballet Company Dances insights and Q&A
suitable for children aged 12 – 18
12.00 – 1.00 pm
Tour Information
Frequency of Guided Tours: SATURDAY 19 JULY Guided tours: 8.30 – 10.00 am 10.30 – 12.00 pm 12.30 – 2.00 pm 2.30 – 4.00 pm
Difference in guided tours for Saturday and Sunday:The guided tours will take place only on Saturday.
Tour Tips
Register at the building on arrival, Great for kids, More engagements available for booking!
Additional Activities
Workshops/talks, Musical performances, Food & Beverage, Children's Activities
Dress Requirements
No heels
Wheelchair access
Yes
Is Heritage listed
Yes
Awards
Recent Architectural or Engineering Awards: 2023 Australian Institute of Architects State Awards including: - The Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture - The State Award for Heritage Architecture - The State Award for Public Architecture - The COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture