Did you know that this grand building, the Old Museum, wasn’t always known by that name? It was originally called the Exhibition Building and Concert Hall. Constructed in 1891, it rose from the ashes of its predecessor, destroyed by a fire that swept through the city just a few years prior. This magnificent structure, built with over a million red bricks, was designed to house the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association’s exhibitions.
The Old Museum’s architecture speaks of a bygone era, a testament to the vision of its architect, George Henry Male Addison. Imagine the hustle and bustle as workers, over 300 of them, toiled for 12 months to bring Addison’s grand design to life. This wasn’t just a building; it was a statement of Queensland’s ambition and progress. Over the years, the Old Museum has worn many hats. It served as a home for the Queensland Museum for almost a century, its halls echoing with the footsteps of curious minds eager to learn about the world around them.
Later, the building transformed into a cultural hub, a space for music and performance. The Queensland Youth Orchestras found their home within these walls, filling the air with the harmonious blend of instruments. Even the renowned Shakespearean actor, Geoffrey Rush, graced this stage in a production of Troilus and Cressida. Today, the Old Museum stands as a proud symbol of Brisbane’s past, a tangible link to its rich history. It serves as a reminder of the city’s evolution, its journey from a fledgling colony to a vibrant cultural hub. As you gaze at its intricate details, let your imagination wander back in time. Feel the echoes of laughter, applause, and the exchange of ideas that once reverberated through these grand halls.