Tags
Brisbane, City Hall, clock tower, Costumes of the Golden Age of Hollywood, King George Square, Photography, travel
After my Brisbane city walking tour several weeks ago with Bruce from Brisbane Cit Greeters I decided I would like to return to the City Hall and have a guided tour of the building. This building, which is an amazing structure in the middle of Brisbane city, overlooking King George Square was designed according to the Italian Renaissance style. It has 3 floors and a partial basement.
We went to City Hall firstly to see the Costumes of the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition in the Museum of Brisbane.
However upon arrival we learned that we could partake in the 10.30 guided tour of the building.
The tour of City Hall was really interesting, our guide was so enthusiastic about Brisbane and its history, with loads of really good information and a real must do if you are visiting Brisbane. The tour lasted about 45 pleasurable minutes and it was free. You must book for these tours, either at city hall or online.
After we completed this walking tour we spent time in the Brisbane museum where there is a wonderful photographic exhibition displaying photos of Brisbane from the late 1890’s to the early 1900’s and giving a wonderful and free insight into the history of this river city. The exhibition reveals how the river is intertwined in the lives of Brisbane’s inhabitants.
After spending time in the museum we took a tour of the clock tower. This imposing 70 mt tower is based on the design of the St Mark’s Campanile in Venice, Italy. The four clock faces on each side of the tower are the largest in Australia. The clock has Westminster Chimes, which sound on the quarter-hour, and can be heard from the Queen St Mall and, at times, in the surrounding suburbs. Above the clock is an observation platform, open to the public and accessible by the elevator between 10:15 am and 4:45 pm seven days a week.
Tours operate daily taking visitors up the Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower in a beautiful, old, hand-operated lift, providing a bird’s-eye view of the city. No bookings required. Obtain a ticket in person on the day at the Museum of Brisbane reception counter on level 3. And again, free.
We then stopped for a pleasant break and nice lunch at the Shingle Inn, the oldest restaurant/café in Brisbane, which was built in 1936 and is still in its original design, including fixtures etc
From there we returned to the Brisbane Museum where the Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood exhibition is being held. Step back in time onto the soundstage of a bygone era and discover this cinematic world. This exhibition will take visitors behind the scenes to gain a glimpse into Hollywood of the 1920s to 1960s through a collection of costumes, props and ephemera connected to the cinema’s most iconic stars, studios and designers. The exhibition is currently running till the end of May. And again, free.
I have lived in Brisbane for many years and this is my first time spent in City Hall. If you are visiting our city or already live here, take the time to visit and take a look around this special building. I can highly recommend it as it is well worth it. You could easily spend a full day here.