A magnificent LEGO replica of the Brisbane City Hall is currently on display at the foyer of the “People’s Place” to mark its 100th year.
The replica, designed by LEGO builder Ben Craig, has over 40,000 LEGO bricks. Mr Craig undertook this monumental project to recreate one of Queensland’s magnificent architectural sites at the request of the Museum of Brisbane.
The professional LEGO designer for The Brick Builder made sure to include all of the aspects and features of the iconic building, such as the copper dome, the clock tower and the viewing space. Also included in the LEGO build are heaps of representations reflecting the stories of some of the most interesting people who have worked at Brisbane City Hall since 1920.
Setting Brisbane City Hall’s Foundation in 1920
Construction of the Brisbane City Hall started in July 1920 in a swampy creekside by the King George Square, after several years of debates among the city officials.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Work on the building took 10 years to complete at the cost of nearly £1 million. Lord Mayor William Jolly officially opened the City Hall to the public in April 1930.
The building was designed by Bruce Dellit, Peter Kaad, Emil Sodersten and Noel Wilson of the Hall And Prentice architectural firm from New South Wales. At 20 floors, it was once the tallest building in Brisbane.
A treasured heritage-listed site, Brisbane City Hall is where people meet, discuss, converge, celebrate and learn. Among the famous people who have been to Brisbane City Hall were Queen Elizabeth II and The Rolling Stones.
Who Is Ben Craig?
Mr Craig broke the Guinness World Record for completing the largest, inhabitable LEGO Caravan using 288,000 bricks.
Mr Craig was featured as the Artist-in-Residence for the Brisbane Airport from 2017 to 2018. The artist conducts regular LEGO workshops for kids, students and adults, and does commission work.
Miranda Hine, the curator of the Museum of Brisbane, said that this is a chance for the public to explore some of the rooms and spaces that are often not open to the public.
The LEGO replica of the Brisbane City Hall will be on display until 30 July 2020.