Things to Do West End

Thomas Dixon Centre

A century-old boot factory that now trains Queensland's best dancers.
Phoebe Tully
August 25, 2026

Overview

The Thomas Dixon Centre is a century-old boot factory that now trains Queensland's best dancers in Brisbane's West End. Long before it held a barre, the it was a working boot and leather tannery, built in 1908 to a design by architect Richard Gailey. It's now home to Queensland Ballet, following a major renovation that made it the first performing arts organisation in the world to earn WELL Building Platinum certification.

Beyond ticketed performances in the Talbot Theatre, the centre runs free public programming under its "Always here, always free" banner, including open company class viewings where you can watch Queensland Ballet's dancers train. Afterwards, Shane Delia's Layla handles a Middle Eastern-leaning dinner on site, or swing by Tom's Kitchen for an all-day cafe fix built around local producers.

Images: Supplied. 

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Where

Queensland Ballet Thomas Dixon Centre
404 Montague Road
West End
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