GSA Guide - Customs House Claimed

Customs House is a well-known landmark on the Brisbane River front, which lost its original purpose with the Port of Brisbane moving closer to the mouth of the River.

History: 

The Customs House with its iconic large copper dome and the huge sandstone columns has always been a recognised Brisbane landmark since its construction in 1889. John Petrie and Son built this icon designed by Charles McLay of the Queensland Colonial Architects office.

The main structure is brick on a stone base. The outside of the building is largely intact.

The Victorian free classical building was originally used for collection of customs duty. The building became deserted when port facilities moved to the Port of Brisbane in 1988, just a few months short of 100 years use as a Customs House.

Building Materials: 

Dominant parts of the building including the Corinthian columns are built of Murphys Creek Sandstone (Formation: Gatton Sandstone). Along the riverside, the low wall is constructed with porphyry blocks (Formation: Brisbane Tuff).

The front entrance floor and steps were paved with black and white marble that was probably imported from Carrara, Italy.

There are cast iron