Canberra Glassworks

Canberra Glassworks is a working centre for contemporary glass art in Kingston, Canberra, combining exhibition spaces with world-class glassmaking studios. Described by the venue as the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it offers more than a conventional gallery visit: you can view contemporary glass exhibitions, see artists working in the Hotshop and learn how pieces are made. The facility is housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse, adding an industrial and architectural layer to the experience.

Visitors can choose between guided tours, hands-on glassmaking experiences and a self-guided tour of the facility. Guided visits are designed to reveal the processes behind glassmaking, with opportunities to witness live glassblowing and explore both the creative and technical sides of the art form. There are also classes for people who want a more active introduction, while the Gallery Shop sells handmade glass pieces. Large group tours are catered for, making the venue suitable for organised visits as well as individual art lovers and curious visitors.

The programme changes through exhibitions, events and commissions. The listed exhibition Through the Window brings together artists from Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and Jordan Benson from Naarm/Melbourne, presenting a conversation between tradition and innovation. The venue also highlights work beyond its own galleries, including Annette Blair’s commissioned glass installation Quiet Skies at the Australian War Memorial. Its Waste Glass Reimagined project, developed with artist Matthew Curtis, explores custom glass finishes made from recycled windows, balustrades, television screens and architectural panels.

There is a clear connection to Canberra Glassworks’ history and artistic community, including the legacy of Klaus Moje, whose work the organisation is seeking to acquire for a future development. The venue’s regular offering makes it a strong choice for a solo cultural outing, an art-focused group visit or anyone interested in seeing a specialised creative process up close. Families and younger visitors may also find the programme relevant through initiatives such as the Kids Design Competition. Canberra Glassworks is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with exhibitions, tours, classes and shop offerings varying over time.