King George Square facts for kids
King George Square is a large public space in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It sits between Adelaide Street and Ann Street. The important Brisbane City Hall building is right next to the square.
This area was once part of Albert Street and a market square. It was first called Albert Square. This name honored Prince Albert, who was the husband of Queen Victoria. The Brisbane City Hall was built here and finished in 1930.
History of King George Square
After King George V passed away in 1936, the square was made larger. It was then renamed King George Square to remember him.
You can see two large bronze Lion sculptures at the entrance to Brisbane City Hall. These lions were part of a special memorial for King George V. This memorial was revealed in 1938 as a gift from the people of Brisbane.
Cars and even trolley-buses used to drive through the square. But in 1969, the road was closed to traffic. Buildings on the north side of the square, like the Tivoli Theatre, were bought by the City Council and taken down. Work then began to build the underground King George Square Car Park.
During this building work, the statues, including the one of King George V and the bronze lions, were moved. They are now in their current spots in the square. There is now a small lane for special government or work vehicles to reach the City Hall.
A round fountain that was in the middle of the square was also removed. A new, rectangular fountain was built instead. During a dry period from 2005 to 2007, this fountain had a special "Watersense garden" with plants that don't need much water.
There is a special part of King George Square called "Speakers' Corner." Here, you can find statues of famous people from Queensland. These include Steele Rudd (1868–1935), Emma Miller (1839–1917), and Sir Charles Lilley (1830–1897). Some bronze sculptures from the Expo '88 event were also added to the square.
Redesign in 2009
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In October 2009, the "new" King George Square opened. This happened after 16 months of rebuilding work. The design for the square was chosen in a national competition. This redesign followed the creation of the King George Square busway station. This busway station was built in the lower two levels of the underground car park.
Some people have said that the new design makes the square too hot and bright. They also mentioned that it doesn't have enough shade.
Albert Square
The National Library of Australia has old photos of Albert Square. These pictures show what the square looked like before it became King George Square.
When Albert Square was changed into King George Square, its old fountain was moved. It was taken to Wynnum.
Images for kids
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King George Square with a Christmas tree in December 2020
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The 1912 Brisbane general strike
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An Anzac Day procession through Albert Square in 1937
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Eleanor Roosevelt in King George Square during World War II in 1943
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Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1954
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Pope John Paul II speaking to the public in 1986
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A rally in 2019
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