Canberra Glassworks
Canberra Glassworks: Hours, Address, Canberra Glassworks Reviews: 4/5
Canberra Glassworks
Canberra Glassworks
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Canberra Glassworks is Australia's only cultural centre that is wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art. At its core Canberra Glassworks is a working Glassworks that provides access to glassmaking facilities for glass artists. Canberra Glassworks also provides diverse opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn about glass making and the heritage of Canberra's Kingston Power House. Visitors can meet artists, see glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, take tours and have a hands-on experience working with glass. Canberra Glassworks is also home to Brodburger - the best burgers in Canberra!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
384 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
145
Average
60
Poor
8
Terrible
6
Hugary1
Sydney, Australia5,435 contributions
Nice place to see the craft of glass blowing in action.
Good viewing area and entry is free. Parking during week is pay at weekend not.
Close to Kingston water walks and restaurant's.
Food outlet is attached and toilets are nice and clean.
Cost of items, hand crafted, is not cheap but worth a look
Small kids hands could be an issue
Good viewing area and entry is free. Parking during week is pay at weekend not.
Close to Kingston water walks and restaurant's.
Food outlet is attached and toilets are nice and clean.
Cost of items, hand crafted, is not cheap but worth a look
Small kids hands could be an issue
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bigadventure5
Bella Vista, Australia45 contributions
Years ago we were mesmerised watching the glass artists at work so Canberra Glassworks was a priority this trip. We booked ahead for both a tour and to get creative and make glass mosaic tiles. The tour took us over the various floors of the Glassworks, we were told about displays and observed different types of glass work. These are paid activities plus there was postage for the sending of our completed artworks back as our trip was too short for the glass to be fired, cooled and ready to collect before our departure.
Our guide was friendly, and patient and encouraging when we were creating our postcard sized glass pictures. This was both fun and illuminating as we worked and watched each other in our family get creative.
General entry to wander the historic building, see displays and watch live glass making is free/by donation. There is a gift shop with beautiful glass jewellery and objects, and a cafe also. There is a very tall marble run.
Our guide was friendly, and patient and encouraging when we were creating our postcard sized glass pictures. This was both fun and illuminating as we worked and watched each other in our family get creative.
General entry to wander the historic building, see displays and watch live glass making is free/by donation. There is a gift shop with beautiful glass jewellery and objects, and a cafe also. There is a very tall marble run.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bruce F
Dapto, Australia266 contributions
The afternoon we visited (a Saturday) there were obviously some glassworkers on their "L" plates under instruction, as well as some groups of experienced craftspeople. In all there must have been 12-15 people working in pairs and threes around all the kilns. We sat in the gallery and were absolutely spellbound by the variety of glass activities in progress and the speed at which they all worked. There was a small gallery shop, and entry was by donation. This was a great experience and we were spellbound by the activity for over an hour.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jokay22au
Sydney, Australia63 contributions
Friends
Very interesting 30mins visit to help us appreciate the labour that goes into handmade glasswork.
We’re here with my 9 years old - he said it’s one of the highlights of our 3 days Canberra visit (he likes museums so he’s that type of person).
We had the opportunity to watch a couple of artists made cups. We didn’t quite understand the steps but after reading some info displayed we managed to guess what we think they’re doing.
Good little shop with some glass items/art available for sale to support the artists.
We’re here with my 9 years old - he said it’s one of the highlights of our 3 days Canberra visit (he likes museums so he’s that type of person).
We had the opportunity to watch a couple of artists made cups. We didn’t quite understand the steps but after reading some info displayed we managed to guess what we think they’re doing.
Good little shop with some glass items/art available for sale to support the artists.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JennyC0309
Scarborough, Australia382 contributions
Couples
If you love watching artists make things out of molten glass then this is the place for you. While we were there someone was making birds, paper weights & glasses while another artist explained the process. Plenty of room to sit & watch in comfort & ask questions. If you plan ahead about a week you can book a session with an artist to make something. Best thing the viewing is free. There is also a gift shop selling the artists wares.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,965 contributions
Canberra Glassworks is an Australian art gallery, located in Canberra, the nation's capital. The Gallery is funded by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government, The Gallery holds regular public exhibitions, you can also see glassware being moulded. Making glassware is a difficult art to master, it's fascinating to watch.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MagpieBec
7 contributions
Family
Certaily a view to appreciate the artistic skill involved. Adult interest varied. Children (age group 9-12) were interested in the walk around the mezzanine which displayed the process, however lost interest quickly whilst watching the artists mould glass in the gallery.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lkb71
Melbourne, Australia21 contributions
Arrived in the morning and we didn’t know what to expected.
There was a tour about to start, we were told just go up to level 3, no suggestion was there for us (2 people) to join a group of 6 people. We asked if there was a tour and was informed rudely that no you just self tour.
That being said we went upstairs and sat down to look at the glassworks that we’re going on and received a talk from this rude woman for her group, as we didn’t move from our seats.
There was a tour about to start, we were told just go up to level 3, no suggestion was there for us (2 people) to join a group of 6 people. We asked if there was a tour and was informed rudely that no you just self tour.
That being said we went upstairs and sat down to look at the glassworks that we’re going on and received a talk from this rude woman for her group, as we didn’t move from our seats.
Written August 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheena B
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Couples
I visited & did the make your own paperweight. I've never done anything like this before & really enjoyed the experience. The one on one instruction in the hot shop was great & the whole process took less that 30mins. But be prepared to pay postage to have your item sent to you if you are not able to return to collect it a couple days later. The paperweights take at least 48hrs to fully cool for collection/shipping. It was an extra $15 to post my creation to Melbourne. I really recommend doing this activity.
Written November 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alicia J
Canberra, Australia40 contributions
Couples
I felt like the whole workshop took a few minutes to walk through, even at a stroll pace. There weren't many things to look at - despite one guy making a glass bird, but really not showing the audience what was going on. I would love to go back if there was more to see!
Written July 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Alicia,
Thanks for your review. We're sorry you felt a bit underwhelmed by your visit to the Glassworks. Unfortunately, as it is an artists facility for hire, we can't guarantee there will be lots going on at any given time - the best way is to check our website to make sure there will be something happening when you visit: http://www.canberraglassworks.com/visit/calendar/
In particular, visit our Hotshop Calendar and pick the days when someone is blowing: http://www.canberraglassworks.com/live-glassmaking/hotshop-calendar/
Written August 10, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can we just turn up or do we need to book
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,965 contributions
The Glassworks is open from Wednesday to Sunday, there is no need to book.
Do we have to book a time to visit
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,965 contributions
The Glassworks is open 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday to Sunday. There is no need to book. Venues may be closed for lunch.
Sumana R
Wiley Park, Australia
Is there a entry fee to visit this place? And how much does it cost to make your own piece?
JKD
7 contributions
Hi, there is no cost to visit the Glassworks. We did the 20 minute make your own session (bird or paperweight) which was $80 per person. There are more expensive sessions available too.
DianeDexter
Lindisfarne, Australia22 contributions
Hi. I'm thinking of visiting Glassworks this week. When is best time to see glass workers in action please? Best days for me are Thursday Friday? Thanks in advance.
debjhall
Kincumber, Australia41 contributions
When I went there was on a Sunday and they were allowing visitors the chance to create their own glass balls for a cost.
It’s probably in operation more during the week.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canberra Glassworks
- Canberra Glassworks is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Canberra Glassworks:
- (0.15 mi) Accommodate Canberra - Lakefront
- (0.17 mi) Country views - but just 15 minutes from the CBD
- (0.65 mi) East Hotel
- (0.64 mi) Little National Hotel
- (0.50 mi) Brassey Hotel
- Restaurants near Canberra Glassworks:
- (0.01 mi) Brodburger
- (0.11 mi) Morks
- (0.11 mi) La Rustica By The Lake
- (0.10 mi) Mrs. Sackville
- (0.11 mi) Magoo's Cafe And Bar