The extensive redevelopment of Adelaide Festival Centre is now complete, with the new-look Centre unveiled by South Australian Minister for Arts the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould and Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Chair the Hon. Karlene Maywald today.

Audiences will be able to experience the upgraded seating, foyers, staging and lighting on Friday 27 February with a new take on Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece The Cherry Orchard in Festival Theatre, History of Violence from revered German theatre director Thomas Ostermeier in Dunstan Playhouse and dynamic contemporary dance from China Re-shaping Identity in Space Theatre as part of Adelaide Festival.

Foyers will be open from Monday 23 February, welcoming visitors to 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. Dunstan Playhouse’s Riverdeck Café will be open serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and pastries from 8am – 3pm daily.  

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. Foyer opening hours are 9am – 5pm daily, as well as during performance times.

Inspired by an art rebellion, Adelaide Festival Centre opens Angry Penguin restaurant. Executive Chef Alex Katsman delivers elevated dining, European technique and local ingredients — with a side of nostalgia. Angry Penguin will open to the public from Friday 27 February for lunch and dinner. Bookings open now.

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

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.