Portico Sculpture
MacArthur Building
Text Version
MacArthur Chambers was built between 1930 and 1934. Originally known as the AMP Building (Australian Mutual Provident Society), it was the Queensland head office. During the Second World War the building was requisitioned as the headquarters for the Allied Forces in the South West Pacific Campaign under US Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in South West Pacific Area, General Douglas MacArthur.
One of the building’s features is the sculpture located above the portico. The sculpture by Fred Gowan is made from Sicilian marble and is said to represent ‘strength, plenty, production and growth.’
Located beneath the statue is the motto of the AMP Society, “Amicus Certus in re Incerta”, which translates as “a sure friend in uncertain times”.
The building currently houses the MacArthur Museum, which commemorates General Douglas MacArthur’s association with Brisbane during World War II.
