QPAC was officially opened by His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent on 20 April 1985.

Since then, QPAC has welcomed more than 23.5 million visitors to performances, free events, workshops and outdoor performances. More than 30,000 performances have taken place in one of the Centre's four venues, many featuring some of the world's most significant artists and major presentations.

QPAC is governed by a Board of Trust members appointed by the Queensland Government. In collaboration with the Trust members, QPAC is managed by an Executive Group that is responsible for the operations and the achievement of the Centre's strategic priorities.

QPAC is a Statutory Body of the Queensland Government with its responsibilities set out in the Queensland Performing Arts Trust Act 1977.

QPAC's curatorial program is underpinned by the believe that the performing arts help people to express themselves as well as connect with others by challenging everyone to see life through a different lens.