In short
- Built from 1920 and opened in 1930.
- Cost £1,000,000 during its original construction.
- Restored from 2010 to 2013 for $215 million.
In this article
Brisbane City Hall stands at 64 Adelaide St as a heritage-listed civic building. Known as 'The People's Place', it has served as a beacon of local culture for nearly a century.
When was Brisbane City Hall built?
Construction on Brisbane City Hall started in 1920 and finished in 1930.
The project took 10 years to complete. The final cost was around £1,000,000. When it opened, the 87.47-meter Clock Tower was the tallest building in Brisbane. It held this height record until 1967.
Why is Brisbane City Hall called The People's Place?
It earned the nickname 'The People's Place' because it functions as the architectural and civic heart of the city.
The building contains spaces for public use, including the Museum of Brisbane and the main auditorium. The free general City Hall Guided Tour lets up to 20 people explore these civic spaces for 45 minutes.
When was the building restored?
Brisbane City Hall underwent a massive three-year restoration that finished in April 2013.
The repair project cost $215 million. This work preserved historical elements like the 31-meter copper dome, which is the largest in Australia. It also secured the Enoggera Courtyard, which displays original cobblestones and historical drains from early archaeological digs.
What historical features are inside?
The building holds a vintage hand-operated lift, a 4,400-pipe organ, and a Pantheon-inspired auditorium.
You can ride Brisbane's oldest working hand-operated elevator up the 87.47-meter Clock Tower. The main auditorium features a historic Father Henry Willis & Sons Pipe Organ. Visitors can also see 5-meter clock faces and 4.3-tonne Westminster chime bells.
Questions travellers ask
Is Brisbane City Hall free to enter?
Yes, entry to the building, Museum of Brisbane, City Hall Guided Tours, and Clock Tower Tours is free. Bookings are essential for all tours.
How tall is the Brisbane City Hall clock tower?
The Clock Tower stands 87.47 meters tall. The observation platform is located 76 meters above the ground.
What time do the bells chime at Brisbane City Hall?
The five bells play Westminster chimes every 15 minutes.
