Brisbane City Hall

Brisbane City Hall

Construction of Brisbane City Hall began in 1920 and it was opened in 1930. It is the finest and most beautiful building in Brisbane, as well as the largest and most magnificent surviving town hall in Australia. In 1978, it was listed on the National Estate Register.

Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the three-storey building stands 91 metres tall, making it the tallest structure in Brisbane when it was first built. The grand foyer features imposing columns, giving it the appearance of a Greek temple from afar. The city hall is topped by a 70-metre clock tower, each of its four sides adorned with a large clock — said to be the largest in Australia. At the top of the tower is an observation deck, where visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Brisbane. Stepping inside the city hall, one cannot help but be awed by its opulence. The central feature is a grand auditorium, flanked by reception rooms, and the auditorium can accommodate up to 2,500 people. The walls of the second-floor corridors are lined with portraits of past mayors and certificates of recognition awarded to the council and government — each accompanied by names and brief descriptions, making it easy for the public to learn about and recognize them.

Brisbane City Hall also houses a library, museum, and art gallery, all of which are free and open to the public daily.