With its changing kaleidoscopic ceiling, the quirky and modern art of the Museum of Brisbane and evening concerts in the auditorium, Brisbane City Hall is a must-do in Queensland’s capital.
Built in the 1920s from sandstone, marble and Queensland-grown maple and silky oak, the classical hall is iconic. Its recognisable columns, tall bell tower and clock form the Brisbane City logo.
Enter via King George Square through the grand foyer with its marble staircases, mosaic floor and antique chandeliers. Visit the Main Auditorium to enjoy a concert and see the huge Father Henry Willis organ crafted in 1892. The ornate plasterwork on the walls of the auditorium and the LED light ceiling beneath the dome give it a unique atmosphere.
Take a ride inside the cage lift up to the platform within the clock tower for views over King George Square, the Queen Street Mall and the city.
Visit the gallery exhibits in the Museum of Brisbane, located on the third floor. Carefully curated photography and art displays of Brisbane’s past are juxtaposed with pieces by contemporary artists creating works in Brisbane today. The museum is open daily and entry is free.
City Hall has many interesting rooms to explore. In the Enoggera Courtyard, you’ll see original cobblestones and drains found in an archaeological dig beneath the building. See the gifts from sister cities from around the world in the Sister Cities Room on the second floor. Participate in one of the free tours that run regularly 7 days a week to get an insight into the architecture and history of Brisbane’s most iconic building.
When you’re done exploring, head to the Shingle Inn located within the city hall for an afternoon tea or enjoy the ambiance of the Twilight Markets and live music in King George Square on a Friday night. The café and bar in the square is a great place to admire Brisbane City Hall at night, when its classic columns and sculptural frontispiece are brilliantly lit in golden light or magical colour schemes for special events.
