Brisbane Arcade's 95th Anniversary and Christmas Lights - FREE

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Posted 2019-11-16 by Gillian Ching ⇒ follow

Sat 16 Nov 2019 - Mon 25 Nov 2019

Brisbane's premier boutique shopping Arcade, The Brisbane Arcade, turns 95 this year and it has turned on a sensational jaw dropping display of Christmas lights to illuminate this special occasion. And everyone is invited to join in the fun.

After stepping off he Queen Street Mall and arriving at the entrance to the Arcade, I could see why the theme of the installation is 'Jewel in the Crown'

Glittering fairy lights cascade from the second story of the Arcade to the Ground Floor to create a dazzling and stylish display of festive fun. The sparkling light fest was created by the talented Viv Clifton-Jones, Interior Design at vividd.4

About the Brisbane Arcade
The historic Arcade provides the perfect backdrop for a lighting extravaganza of this scale. The Arcade was designed by Richard Gailey, Junior and built-in 1923 to 1924 by J & E L Rees and Forsyth & Speering. It features the work of a master craftsman who installed sleek terazzo floors, wooden balustrades, dado panelling and leadlight windows.

The age of the building fits in with the Christmas trees tradition where publicly and illuminated trees with electric lights became popular in the early 20th century. By the mid-20th century, it became customary to display strings of electric lights along streets and on buildings;

While retail and fashion trends have changed, the Brisbane Arcade has remained timeless with its classic charm. The heritage-listed Arcade remains part of the Mayne estate which provides funds to the University of Queensland through the profits of various real estate holdings (including Brisbane Arcade), built by James Mayne on the site of his childhood home in Queens Street.

While I was visiting, a guided walking tour of international guests were visiting the space and taking in the sights - making the Arcade a year-round tourist destination.

A history board is located beside the lift which highlights the key events in the Arcade's life. Rumour has it that there have even been sightings of a Brisbane Arcade ghost seen and heard lurking down the corridors of the building.

Shopping here is always a little bit special and exclusive with long term tenants offering year-round sparkle with jewellery specialists Robert White jewellers and Stones diamond specialists , Queensland multi-award winning fashion designers Keri Craig , and wedding gown specialists DARB bridal couture . The festive decorations make it doubly sensational.

The Christmas light display is only one of the signature events held in the Arcade throughout the year. Other highlights on its calendar include the Spring Flower Show and Fashion Display.

If you are in the CBD and want to experience a beautiful Christmas lights display, make sure you head to The Brisbane Arcade. The Arcade is located at 160 Queen Street in the city centre (off the Mall). Viewing the lights is free during the Arcade's opening hours from 9am, 6 days per week excluding Sunday when it opens at 10am. The lights will glitter through November and December 2019.