School Groups

Australia’s hottest school excursion

Now available mornings, afternoons and Thursday evenings!

Canberra Glassworks is the largest studio glassmaking facility in the Southern. Located within the heritage listed Kingston Powerhouse near the city centre, this is the only school experience of its kind in Australia where students can get up close to an active glass factory and even try it for themselves.

Whether you’re planning a daytime visit or looking for a flexible, after-hours option on Thursday evenings, we’ll tailor the experience to your group.

Open Wednesday–Sunday | Now also available Thursday evenings from 5pm

Book a Group Visit

Build your Glassworks adventure!

Choose 1, 2 or all 3 experiences—each approx. 45 minutes. Prices start from $30 per student.

1. 1. Guided Facility Tour
  2. Glass Tilemaking Workshop
  3. Live Hotshop Demonstration

Flexible, fun, and fully customisable—get in touch to plan your visit. Bookings essential with at least 2 weeks’ notice.

Questions? Contact Canberra Glassworks Public Programs Manager at bookings@canberraglassworks.com

Canberra Glassworks Venue Safety Information

Find out more | GLASSWORKS EXPERIENCES

1. Guided Facility Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Canberra Glassworks, an internationally recognised glass making centre and host to hundreds of artists working with glass every year. Discover its history as the Kingston Powerhouse, an iconic building which played a vital role in the development of Australia’s planned capital city. The tour will also include questions such as:

- - What is the history of the Kingston Powerhouse, and why was it built?
  - How many ways can we make glass?
  - What is the chemistry of glass and how does that affect its colour?
  - How do different temperatures affect glass?
  - Are there sustainable ways of using glass as a material at the Glassworks?

2. Glass Tilemaking Workshop

Learn from leading Australian glass artists in this hands-on tilemaking workshop. Each student will cut, design, and arrange their own glass composition, which will be kiln-formed into a unique glass tile. Tiles will be carefully packaged and posted back to your school after firing.

3. Hotshop Demo

Uncover the science of glass blowing in this Hotshop demonstration. Students will have a firsthand look at the process of shaping molten glass using traditional tools and techniques. The tour will explore questions such as:

- - How has glass blowing evolved since its origin thousands of years ago?
  - What is the chemistry of glass and how does that affect its colour?
  - Is glass flexible?
  - What happens when glass is cooled too quickly?
  - Why is teamwork so important in the Hotshop?