The Old Museum Building
Acknowledgement
Queensland Youth Choir is indebted to the Queensland Government for the use of facilities at the Old Museum.
History
This heritage-listed facility, located on the corner of Bowen Bridge Road and Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, is historically significant and has a well documented history dating back to its construction in 1891.
Originally built as an Exhibition Hall and Concert Hall, the building is located on the site of an earlier building which burned down in 1888. In the late 1890s the Exhibition Hall was converted to accommodate the Queensland Museum which transferred to the building in 1899. The Concert Hall continued as the venue for performances and meetings until 1930 when it was modified to house the Queensland Art Gallery. In 1973 the Art Gallery moved to the new premises at South Bank and the Museum took over the whole building. In 1986, the Museum moved to new purpose-built accommodation as part of the Cultural Centre on the South Bank of the Brisbane River.
QYC has used the Old Museum as its rehearsal venue since 1988, and relocated its office to the site at the beginning of 1999. Other current users include the Queensland Youth Orchestra and the Police Pipe Band.
In late 1996, a project was initiated to redevelop the former Concert Hall and provide greater potential for public use of the building. Construction on this project commenced in early 1997 and was substantially complete in March 1998. During 2000, a further project provided air conditioning to the concert hall and additional acoustic treatment to both the concert hall space and one of the rehearsal spaces in the exhibition hall.
The Concert Hall houses the William Anderson organ which was built c.1890 and used in St Stephen's Cathedral from 1921 to 1987. Internationally-acclaimed artists such as Dame Nellie Melba, Paderewski and the Australian Chamber Orchestra have performed in this historic hall.
Hiring
The Old Museum Concert Hall and other spaces are available for hire. Contact the venue manager on (07) 3257 4089.
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