Traditional Land Owners: The Muwinina people of nipaluna

Consolidating an important urban nexus of Hobart, The Hedberg vision presents a performing and creative arts destination and education precinct that fuels Tasmania’s cultural offering in a contemporary global context.

LIMINAL Architecture with WOHA was awarded to deliver this centre of creativity and performance, in a unique collaboration between the University of Tasmania, Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments and the oldest operating theatre in Australia, the Theatre Royal.

The design strategy balances the theatrics of the building’s purpose and sensitivity to its urban and heritage context. The external expression suggests a shimmering theatrical curtain, pulled open to reveal the warmth of the activities within. Its sparkle takes its cue from the opalescence of abalone shells, traditionally used to carry fire.

Collocated with the Theatre Royal, The Hedberg integrates performance hubs and venues, rehearsal spaces, creative workshop ‘laboratories’, front and back of house spaces and adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Hedberg Garage.