Nepalese Peace Pagoda, Brisbane

The Nepal Peace Pagoda holds a significant place in Brisbane's heritage, dating back to its participation in the Expo. It stands as the sole remaining international exhibit from that event. In 1986, during the United Nations International Year of Peace, the Kingdom of Nepal decided to take part in World Expo '88. The task of creating and managing the Pagoda during the Expo, as well as finding a new location for it afterward, was entrusted to the Association to Preserve Asian Culture.

The Peace Pagoda, designed by German architect Jochen Reier for Nepal, was built using 80 metric tons of Nepalese timber from the Terai jungle. Crafted by 160 Nepalese families over two years, its components were shipped to Australia in three containers (two 40 feet, one 20 feet) and assembled by Australian workers with Nepalese experts' supervision at the Expo site for World Expo 88 in Brisbane.

This Pagoda, one of only three outside Nepal (the others in Munich and Osaka), closely resembles the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. It features Hindu and Buddhist symbols, including representations of Shiva, meditating Buddhas, auspicious Buddhist symbols, and a statue of Avalokiteshvara. The Pagoda also has a Peace Bell, two side Pavilions, a Buddhist stupa, a Peace Post, and a message of world peace in four languages. Sanskrit prayer chants and the "om" symbol are inscribed on the roof eaves of the side Pavilions.

While not primarily used as a traditional Buddhist or Hindu center, the Pagoda occasionally hosts weddings, private events, book launches, and company functions. Many visitors also find solace and use the Pagoda's interior, which includes Church pews on the first level, for personal meditation.