Accessibility
#HOTA is for everyone
As the home of the arts, HOTA believes in equity, diversity and inclusion. We want to remove barriers, be deeply connected to our community and support all people to create, experience and engage in arts and culture. We will continue to grow HOTA as a true home of the arts for all.
#Find us
#Venues and Facilities
Theatre 1
HOTA Central
Our main theatre, Theatre 1, is located within HOTA Central and is equipped with Sennheiser Infra-Red Sound Reinforcement to assist people who have a hearing impairment.
Theatre 2
HOTA Central
Theatre 2 is located on level 1 of HOTA Central and is a smaller black box theatre space which is accessible by lift from the foyer and has designated wheelchair spots at the front of the raked seats.
HOTA Cinema
HOTA Central
Cinema 1 and Cinema 2 are located within HOTA Central. Closed Captions are now available on select movies that contain the technology which is indicated with a [CC] or closed caption available text.
Basement
HOTA Central
Located lower ground of HOTA Central. Contact us regarding accessibility relating to our Basement on 07 5588 4000.
Lakeside Room
HOTA Central
This room is found on the lower ground level of HOTA Central, it is also used as a function space and venue with no fixed seating. It is accessible by the main lift from the foyer.
Outdoor Stage
Outdoors
The Outdoor Stage is situated in the precinct behind HOTA Central and across from HOTA Gallery. There are designated spots for wheelchair users and their companions on the level paved walkway which provides good views of the stage.
HOTA Gallery
Located on the precinct adjacent to the Council Chambers Building and across from the Outdoor Stage.
The Exhibitionist Bar
HOTA Gallery
The rooftop bar at HOTA Gallery is called The Exhibitionist Bar. It is on level 5. Order your food and drinks at the counter. The person behind the counter will help you make your order. You can sit inside or outside. The bar might be crowded and noisy.
Palette Restaurant
HOTA Gallery
The Restaurant at HOTA Gallery is called Palette. It’s on the ground floor. Order your food and drinks at the counter. The person behind the counter will help you make your order. You can sit inside or outside. The Restaurant can be crowded and noisy.
HOTA Café
HOTA Central
Located outside HOTA Central and accessible by wheelchair. The menu has snacks, light lunches, coffee, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and cakes. Order your food and drinks at the counter. You can sit inside or outside on the deck. The café might be busy.
Candy Bar
HOTA Central
Located ground floor of HOTA Central and accessible by wheelchair.
Panorama Room
HOTA Central
This room, which is used as primarily as a function space and venue with no fixed seating, is found on level 1 of HOTA Central, it is accessible by a lift from the foyer.
Relaxed Performances
HOTA Theatres
We want everyone to have a great time when they come to HOTA, but we know that not everyone feels comfortable attending a traditional theatre performance. For some events we will offer a relaxed performance which is one that has been modified slightly to consider the needs and preferences of people with disability and their companions.
A relaxed performance may have: Lower sound levels and less special effects (but it will still be an amazing performance!); a designated ‘chill out’ zone in the foyer, if you need to take a moment out; no expectation of how you will enjoy the performance – you can move around the auditorium and making noise is ok – we love hearing people enjoy themselves!; houselights will be on at all time so there is never complete darkness.
Quiet Hour
HOTA Gallery
On the first Saturday of every month between 9 – 10am we offer Quiet Hour in HOTA Gallery. Our Quiet Hour is provided to ensure a relaxed and calm environment for anyone who prefers a quieter visitor experience.
More details on Quiet Hour and the HOTA Gallery Social Story below.
#Getting around HOTA
Mobility Requirements
For wheelchair users and people with mobility requirements there is a ramp that provide access from the street level to the terrace and HOTA Café, and then heading indoors there is a lift which will take you to the main foyer, Box Office and Theatre 1. An additional lift inside HOTA Central can take you up to Theatre 2 and the Panorama Room or down to the Lakeside Room.
Guide Dogs and Assistance/Service Animals
Your guide dog or registered assistance/service animal is more than welcome here! Just let us know you’ll be bringing one when you book your tickets.
Accessible parking
There are accessible parking spaces close to the front of HOTA Central and a designated set-down and pick up area in front of the main entrance.
#Hearing Loss and Auslan
Assistive listening carrier devices (FM system) are available in the gallery. The HOTA Gallery foyer, Children’s Gallery and Studio spaces are all fitted with an Audio Frequency Induction Loop system.
For information about upcoming Auslan interpreted exhibitions and programs please contact gallery@hota.com.au or education@hota.com.au or call (07) 5588 4000
Listening assistive headsets are available at HOTA Cinema. The audio is delivered through a personal headset with individual left and right volume controls. Audio enhancement is available on all films, every session at HOTA Cinema.
Closed Caption Headset Receivers and Gooseneck held caption boxes are available at HOTA Cinema to assist hearing impaired guests. These are glasses with captions and a box that rests in the cup holder that receive caption via Infrared energy. These products are compatible with films that have been encrypted with this technology. This new technology at HOTACinema is subject to availability. Be sure to check session times or ask one of the friendly Box Office staff for information on enabled access sessions.
#Visually impaired visitors
HOTA Gallery provides all artwork labels in large print format, please ask a member of staff.
Audio-described tours are provided upon request for small groups and individuals. To book please contact gallery@hota.com.au or call (07) 5588 4000.
HOTA Cinema provides listening assisted headsets so you can listen to audio described movies you might have difficulty seeing with a spoken commentary and enjoy all the parts of a movie, including visual jokes, visual scenes, settings and body language. Films listed as [CC] carry this technology.
#Companion Cards
As an affiliate of the Queensland Government’s Companion Card program, we provide Companion Card holders a second ticket for their chosen companion at no cost. Please request this from our Box Office team when you phone to book your tickets.
#Social Story
Your pre-visit information for HOTA Gallery.
#Changing Places
HOTA Gallery has a Changing Places toilet. Located on the Ground Floor, the bathroom has an adult-size change table, hoist, and privacy screen.
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