Watch artisans shape molten glass and explore exhibitions at this working studio inside a historic power station.
Canberra Glassworks occupies the former Kingston Power House, a red-brick industrial building beside Lake Burley Griffin. The site functions as both a public gallery and an active hot-glass studio, allowing visitors to observe professional glassblowers at work rather than viewing finished pieces behind glass cases. This combination of heritage architecture and live craftsmanship distinguishes it from conventional art museums.
Glassblowers work at the furnace most days, creating vessels, sculptures, and lighting pieces in real time. Observers stand on a mezzanine walkway that provides clear sightlines into the hot shop without interfering with the artists. The process reveals how teams coordinate to gather, blow, and shape glass at temperatures exceeding 1100 degrees Celsius.
Two gallery spaces display contemporary Australian and international glass art. Exhibitions change several times a year and often explore themes such as environmental fragility or cultural identity through translucent forms and intricate surface techniques.
The on-site shop sells work by resident artists and emerging makers. Educational programs range from short observation talks to multi-day masterclasses, though casual visitors can simply watch without booking.
Canberra Glassworks sits at the Kingston Foreshore, a short drive or bus ride from Civic. Several ACTION bus routes stop nearby, and free two-hour parking is available in adjacent lots. Cyclists can use the lakeside path network that connects the site to the Parliamentary Triangle and Civic.
Weekday mornings offer the quietest viewing of demonstrations, while weekends bring larger crowds and occasional public talks. Autumn and spring provide comfortable temperatures for combining a visit with a lakeside walk. Summer visits benefit from the air-conditioned galleries, though the hot shop remains warm regardless of season.
After touring the glassworks, visitors often stroll the Kingston Foreshore promenade or cross the bridge to Manuka for cafés and independent shops. The National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Australia lie a short drive away across the lake, allowing an easy half-day art itinerary.
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No reservations are required for general viewing; the hot shop is visible during regular opening hours. Demonstrations occur most days but can be cancelled without notice if artists are preparing for exhibitions.
Yes, families often visit. The mezzanine viewing area keeps visitors safely separated from the hot equipment, and many children enjoy watching the molten glass take shape.
The retail gallery sells work by resident artists and visiting makers. Prices range from small souvenirs to larger sculptural pieces.
Most people spend 45 to 90 minutes watching demonstrations and viewing the current exhibitions. Allow extra time if you plan to browse the shop or attend a talk.
The building provides lift access to the mezzanine and galleries, and the ground floor is step-free. Accessible parking is available in the adjacent lots.
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