MacArthur Chambers

MacArthur Chambers sits at the corner of Queen and Edward Streets, displaying a classical front with Helidon freestone walls and a granite base. The building houses the MacArthur Museum inside, showing World War II objects, historical films, and wartime newspapers.

The building served as General Douglas MacArthur's command center for Allied forces in the South West Pacific from July 1942 to November 1944. During those years, it became a crucial headquarters for coordinating military operations across the entire region.

The three marble figures above the Queen Street entrance represent Strength, Plenty, Production, and Growth, all carved by sculptor Fred Gowan. These sculptures reflect the values and aspirations that shaped Brisbane during the building's creation.

The building is centrally located and easily reached on foot from Brisbane's city center. Inside, the spaces are open to visitors with good lighting that makes viewing the exhibits and architectural details comfortable.

The building was constructed in 1930 using local steelwork and bolts rather than rivets, representing a structural innovation for that era. This construction method reflected the engineering advances that Brisbane was experiencing at the time.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -27.46840,153.02730

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:09