Cistern Chapel

Only in Maryborough could a public toilet become a work of art. **Welcome to the Cistern Chapel — a community-powered public art installation beside City Hall where chandeliers, hand-painted murals and curated music have turned an ordinary loo into one of the Fraser Coast's most surprising attractions.** [3][4] What is it and why visit? The Cistern Chapel is a reimagined public toilet block adorned with artist-painted walls and ceilings, fresh flowers, statement light fittings and room-specific soundscapes. It's a playful, photo-worthy stop that adds genuine sparkle to Maryborough's public art scene — and yes, it still functions as a public facility. [3][4] Where is it? You'll find the Cistern Chapel right next to City Hall on Kent Street in central Maryborough, making it an easy add-on when you're road-tripping the Fraser Coast from Brisbane, roughly three hours' drive away. [4][3] What will you see inside? The Ladies' chamber shines with crystal light fittings, gentle garden-themed paintings and a standout gold toilet. The Men's celebrates steam and rail heritage alongside a whimsical undersea-themed cubicle, a nod to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The Parents Room delights with Mary Poppins imagery, hot-air balloons and softly painted pastoral scenes. [5][6][2] Who created it? Two Fraser Coast artists, Akos Juhasz and Gary Madden, won a competitive tender to bring colour and character to what had been a gloomy, unwelcoming block. Music curated by Greig Bolderrow OAM sets the mood in each space, including Handel's Water Music in the men's and a nature soundtrack in the Parents Room. [4][2] How did it happen? A volunteer group called the 'Divine Dunnies' committee, championed by local identity Nancy Bates, drove the project from concept to completion — raising close to $100,000 through council funding and local business contributions to make the vision a reality. [5][6] What's the buzz? Within its first few days, nearly 500 people arrived in just three hours — most coming purely to marvel at the transformation. It's now a popular new stop on the Maryborough Mural Trail, adding a humorous chapter to a city already celebrated in national street art awards. [2][5] H2: What is Maryborough's Cistern Chapel? A community-driven public art project, the Cistern Chapel has given a once-neglected toilet block beside City Hall an extraordinary makeover — think colourful murals, warm lighting, curated music and genuine local heart. It's playful, photogenic and proudly Maryborough. [3][4][5] H2: Where is it and how do you visit? Situated alongside City Hall on Kent Street in central Maryborough, the Cistern Chapel is easy to find on any stroll through the city's heritage and arts precinct. From Brisbane, budget around three hours' drive to reach Maryborough on a Fraser Coast road trip. It functions as a public facility, so simply drop in as you explore the town. [4][3] H2: What will I see in each room? Expect theatre. The Ladies' chamber glows with chandeliers, gardens and a gold toilet; the Men's blends rail heritage with a whimsical undersea cubicle; the Parents Room lifts spirits with Mary Poppins, balloons and nature scenes — all with themed music. [5][6][2] H2: How does it fit into Maryborough's art story? Maryborough's streets are a living gallery, from the Mural Trail to award-winning memorials. The Cistern Chapel adds a fresh, humorous chapter, inviting you to experience art in the most unexpected place — and to see the city's creativity up close. [2][5] Soft trip idea: Pair a visit with the Maryborough Mural Trail and explore the city's museums and public artworks, then share your favourite 'Divine Dunnies' detail after. Browse and click through to the operator websites to plan your day. [2][5]

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