Thomas Dixon Centre

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.

The events listed below require ticket bookings. Please follow the links provided for more details and to secure your spot!

SATURDAY 13 JULY

Guided Building Tours times:
1:00pm – 2:30pm – Auslan tour

9:00am – 10:30am
11:00am – 12:30pm
2.30pm – 4.00pm
(BOOKED OUT)

Queensland Ballet Company Class Viewings 
Session 1: 10.00 am – 11.35 am – Barre Work
Session 2: 10.40 am – 11.30 am – Centre Practise
(BOOKED OUT)

Kurilpa Futures Historic Walks:
9.45am – 12.00pm – Tour starting at the New Farm ferry stop, includes a guided ferry ride to West End and a West End historic walk, ending at the Thomas Dixon Centre.
1.30pm – 2.30pm – Tour starting and ending at the Thomas Dixon Centre.
(BOOKED OUT)

In Conversation with Judy Watson, Jo Woolley & Danielle Renshaw. Stories behind the Talbot Theatre carpet design:
4.00pm – 5.00pm

Between 12.00 – 4.00pm a selection of John Paul College’s Chamber Ensembles will be presenting at various locations throughout the Thomas Dixon Centre, featuring string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists, pianists and vocalists, in addition to which selected junior and senior performance dance teams will present various routines in the Talbot Theatre at 3.00 pm.

The John Paul College Chamber Music program provides opportunities for young musicians to explore their musical identities through smaller chamber groups which offer more intimate and unique rehearsal and performance experiences.

SUNDAY 14 JULY

Open for free roaming, self-guided tours.

Sundown Meditation Session on the Rooftop Terrace:
5.00 – 6.00pm