The Glasshouse Arts Conference & Entertainment centre is sited on an historically significant parcel of land in the heart of town.

Located on the lands of the traditional owners the people of the Birpai nation, it was chosen by explorer John Oxley in 1818 as the site of site for the new settlement of Port Macquarie.

Since British settlement in 1821 this site has been associated with the administration of the township.

The 1823 cottages of the free Convict Overseers and the first Council Chambers & School of Arts building c1892 were located on this site.

Archaeological remains displayed in the basement are a feature of the heritage interpretation. You can see artefacts uncovered during the excavation, read stories of the area's traditional owners and learn more about the history of the site and life in the early penal settlement of Port Macquarie.