Canberra Glassworks
Canberra Glassworks
A Hands-On School Excursion
Step inside Australia’s largest studio glassmaking facility and see creativity in action. At Canberra Glassworks, students can watch professional glass artists at work, explore how molten glass transforms, and even try making their own glass artwork.
This one-of-a-kind experience brings art and science to life, giving students practical insight into material properties, design, and craftsmanship. Excursions can be tailored to your group, whether it’s a daytime visit or an after-hours workshop on Thursday evenings.
School Bookings: Monday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm
General Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Early Evening Sessions: Thursdays, 5 pm – 8 pm
Please note that the Hotshop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays while the glass furnace is reloaded. Tours are still welcome on these days, but groups should be aware that live glassblowing will not be taking place during this time.
Planning Your Visit
What to wear
Comfortable, breathable clothing is best. Long sleeves and natural fibres help protect against the Hotshop heat.
Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety around hot glass and equipment.
Bags
Small bags are fine, but large backpacks aren’t recommended. Coin-operated lockers are available.
Bus and Coach Parking
Parking is available for buses and coaches. Please note that Sundays can be busy due to the nearby Old Bus Depot Markets.
Accessibility and Safety Information
Contact and bookings:
Address: 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Email: bookings@canberraglassworks.com
Phone: 02 6260 7005
Facebook.com/CanberraGlassworks
Instagram: Instagram/CanberraGlassworks
Opening Hours
Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm (Thursdays til 8pm for early evening classes)
Programs Available
Tile Making Experience
Spark creativity in this immersive workshop where students experiment with colour, shape, and pattern to create their own kiln-fired glass tile. Guided by skilled artists, participants learn how glass can be cut, layered, and transformed through heat. Each finished tile is fired onsite and posted back to your school as a lasting memento of the experience.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Availability:
- Thursday: 4:00 – 7:15 pm
- Everyday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tour + Tile Package
Students explore the historic Kingston Powerhouse on a guided Canberra Glassworks tour, then create their own kiln-formed glass tile with professional artists. Finished tiles are fired and posted back to the school as a lasting memento.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Availability:
- Everyday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 – 7:15 pm
Guided Facility Tour
Explore history and creativity behind the scenes. Students tour Canberra Glassworks in the historic Kingston Powerhouse, an internationally recognised glass centre, witnessing artists at work and discovering how craft, design, and heritage shape contemporary glass art.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Availability:
- Everyday: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 – 7:15 pm
Hotshop Demo
Students experience the heat and excitement of live glassblowing as artists shape molten glass and reveal the science behind the process. Mini-demonstrations explore physics, chemistry, and material behaviour, connecting glassmaking to science, engineering, and history.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Preschool
- Kindergarten
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Availability:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 – 7:15 pm
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12:30 – 3:00 pm
Demo + Tile Package
Students experience live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hotshop, exploring the science and spectacle of molten glass, then design and make their own kiln-formed tile with professional artists. Finished tiles are returned to the school as a lasting keepsake.
Program Information
- Delivery Type:
- In Canberra
- Year Levels:
- Year 3
- Year 4
- Year 5
- Year 6
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Availability:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12:30 – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 – 7:15 pm