Lands Administration Building, Heritage government building in Brisbane, Australia
The Lands Administration Building stands at 142 George Street with four stories of masonry construction featuring a granite base and brown freestone exterior walls. The structure has multiple entrances on George Street and William Street, with gas lamps from 1911 that continue operating through natural gas supply.
The building was constructed between 1901 and 1905 under architect Thomas Pye's direction and served as offices for Queensland's Lands and Survey Departments as well as the Premier's administration. The Queensland National Art Gallery occupied the third floor from 1901 until 1930, before relocating to different premises.
The building displays allegorical carvings representing Queensland's mining and agriculture sectors, created by sculptor William Priestly MacIntosh after Thomas Pye's designs. These ornamental details on the facade tell of the region's economic foundations that visitors notice when approaching the structure.
The building has multiple entrances on George Street and William Street, allowing for easy navigation to different areas. Visitors should note the gas lamps from 1911 still operating at the entrances, as they provide historical context to the 1900s era.
The building housed the Queensland National Art Gallery on its third floor from 1901 until 1930, before the gallery relocated to new premises. This overlooked connection shows how cultural institutions and government offices once shared the same roof.
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