Aubigny Place & Convent Chapel (Mater Heritage Archives Centre)

On 24 May 1908, a remarkable crowd of 12,000 people gathered at what was then known as College Hill to witness the laying of the foundation stone for the Mater Private Hospital.

Just two years later, in 1910, the hospital was officially opened by the Governor of Queensland, Sir William MacGregor. Its grand scale and distinctive style were the work of renowned Australian architect Robin Dods (1868–1920) whose design reflected both elegance and practicality.

The hospital’s first two floors were dedicated to patient accommodation, featuring single rooms furnished with silky oak duchesses, wardrobes, and washstands. The top floor, now home to the Mater Heritage & Archives Centre, served as the convent for the Sisters of Mercy until a purpose-built Mater Convent and Chapel were added in 1926.

Although Robin Dods had by then moved to Sydney, he was consulted during the planning phase to ensure continuity in style. The final design was executed by others, maintaining architectural harmony with the original hospital building. The chapel remains a beautifully preserved space, notable for its highly intact interior, stained-glass windows crafted in Munich, depicting themes of healing and mercy, and the original tabernacle from Rome still in place – a testament to the spiritual foundation laid by the Sisters of Mercy.

The Sisters had arrived in Brisbane from Dublin in 1861, responding to a desperate appeal from Bishop James Quinn to support the young colony with education and healthcare. Their legacy is woven into the Mater’s ongoing mission of compassionate care.

At the time of its opening, newspapers praised the hospital’s elegant silky oak staircase, wide balconies, and the bathrooms thoughtfully placed at the end of each corridor. Many of these original features can still be seen today. Over the decades, the building has been extended several times and, in 1995, was renamed Aubigny Place in honour of the original Mater hospital at North Quay. Today, Aubigny Place houses administrative offices and the Mater Medical Research Institute, established in 1998.

In recent years, the historic Mater Convent has taken on a new life as Catherine’s House, Queensland’s largest and most comprehensive perinatal mental health facility. Opened as part of Mater’s commitment to supporting mothers, babies, and families, Catherine’s House continues the Sisters’ enduring legacy of care in a modern way.

Heritage Centre Access During Brisbane Open House

Mater is proud to participate in Brisbane Open House 2025. This year, we’re delighted to welcome visitors to Aubigny Place — the original Mater Private Hospital, established in 1910 — and the nearby Convent Chapel, opened in 1926. While these beautifully preserved spaces will be open for guided visits with our Mater People on hand to share their rich history, please note that the Mater Heritage & Archives Centre will not be accessible to the public during this event.

The Centre is currently undergoing an exciting refurbishment, with new exhibitions in development offsite.

We appreciate your understanding and invite you to explore the stories, spaces, and heritage of Mater at Brisbane Open House 2025.