TOWN HALL

About Town Hall :

The Sydney Town Hall is a landmark sandstone building located in the heart of Sydney. It is one of Sydney's best-loved icons. For more than a century it has been the city's major public and civic building, its clock a popular landmark and the marble steps leading up to the entrance, one of Sydney's favourite meeting places.

Location :

It stands opposite the Queen Victoria Building and alongside St Andrew's Cathedral. Sitting above the busy Town Hall station and between the cinema strip on George Street and the Central Business District, the steps of the Town Hall are a popular meeting place.

History :

Town Hall was built in the 1880s from local Sydney sandstone in the grand Victorian architectural style, and remains the only non-religious city building from the era to retain its original function and interior. The building houses the Sydney City Council Chamber, reception rooms, the Centennial Hall and offices for the Lord Mayor and elected councillors.

The Grand Organ Built in London by William Hill and Son, the Grand Organ was shipped to Australia and installed in 1890. It was then the largest organ in the world and is still the largest ever built with tubular-pneumatic action. Its 126 speaking stops and 14 couplers are spread over five manuals - Choir, Great, Swell, Solo, Echo - and pedals.The organ features approximately 8,700 pipes. The first recital was held on August 9, 1890 at which the City Organist from Liverpool, England W. T. Best performed for 4,000 guests. The organ was restored between 1972 and 1982 by Sydney organ builder Roger H. Pogson and is used regularly for performances, including many played by the City Organist, Robert Ampt.

The Main Hall :

The Main Hall is a major performance space presenting free lunch time organ recitals and concerts by leading companies such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Collection :

Collection comprises-Memorial Items: Items relating to former Lord Mayors, Councillors and Officers of Council who have contributed to and effected change and development within the City of Sydney, such as paintings and portraits of Mayors and Councillors since 1842, robes and chains of office and memorabilia.

Civic History: Civic history and items of historical significance to the City of Sydney such as presentation items, ceremonial items, images which reflect the changing face of Sydney, keys to the City and Freedom of Entry, historical items relating to the HMAS Sydney.

Official Gifts: Official gifts presented to the City of Sydney such as gifts from Sister Cities, gifts received in the course of official duties, plaques and cultural exchange items.

Decorative Arts and Furnishings: Decorative arts and furnishings of historical significance to Sydney Town Hall such as 19th century Australian furniture, paintings from the Woolcott Collection, silver from the E S Marks Collection. The Sydney Town Hall Collection is significant because it documents many aspects of the civic history of Sydney and preserves images and objects with important associational value to the City of Sydney.The Collection is therefore an important tool for historians, students and those undertaking research and publication in areas relating to civic history.

Telephone Enquiries : 02-9265 9189.