This study investigates the change in hysteretic properties of a lead–rubber bearing (LRB) exposed to low temperature. For this purpose, a full-scale LRB was conditioned at temperatures of −20°C, −10°C, 0°C, and 20°C for 24 hours and then subjected to displacement-controlled cyclic motions that correspond to various levels of shear strains. Tests were conducted with loading frequencies of 0.1 and 0.5 Hz. Recorded force–displacement curves were used to quantify the variation in isolator properties, namely, post-yield stiffness and characteristic strength (force intercept at zero displacement). Test results revealed that both post-yield stiffness and characteristic strength increase with decreasing temperature. The amount of increment becomes even larger with decreasing shear strain. Characteristic strength is found to be more prone to change in temperature compared with post-yield stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]