Masonic Temple, Brisbane

The Masonic Temple at 311 Ann Street is a four-story building featuring six oversized Corinthian columns that frame a façade of Yangan sandstone and grey granite. Its layout includes a basement, offices, a library, a ground-level museum, and multiple lodge rooms on the upper levels.

The building's foundation stone was laid in 1928 with a time capsule containing local newspapers, lodge financial records, and other historical items placed beneath it. This marked the formal start of construction for what would become a significant civic structure.

The main lodge hall seats around 1200 people and showcases furniture made from Queensland hardwoods with symbolic carvings and gold leaf accents. The space reflects the craftsmanship and local materials that define its interior.

The building is generally accessible to visitors who want to explore its different levels and rooms, though some areas may be restricted unless you join a guided tour or visit during special events. Check ahead to learn which sections are open to casual visitors, as certain spaces are sometimes reserved for private functions.

The building houses Queensland's fifth-largest pipe organ, a substantial musical instrument used for performances and gatherings throughout the year. Also on display is a clock from the 1890s with its housing carved entirely from a single trunk of northern silky oak.