Sydney Town Hall
Sydney Town Hall is a grand historic heritage building serving the same function today as when it first opened
The historic Sydney Town Hall has served as the working centre of civic government in Sydney ever since it's completion in the late 1800s. In addition to council chambers and civic offices it also has venues that are used for a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year. In fact it was Sydney's largest indoor entertainment venue until the Sydney Opera House opened in 1973.
After the incorporation of Sydney in 1842 the need for a civic town hall became evident. Sydney's aldermen were determined to make Sydney's Town Hall a grand building and were prepared to invest accordingly. The site that was selected was previously a burial ground that had fallen into disrepair. In 1868 a design competition was awarded to architect J.H. Wilson.
Construction of the Town Hall took place in two stages over a period of 21 years between 1868 and 1889 interspersed with more than its fair share of complications and scandals. The main building material was sandstone quarried from nearby Pyrmont. The design appears to be strongly influenced by French Architecture from the 2nd Empire. The exterior of the Hall is dominated by it's impressive clock tower.
One of the most notable features of Sydney Town Hall is its Grand Organ located at the end of the elegant Centennial Hall. No expense was spared in it's creation. Constructed in England in between 1886 and 1889, it was subsequently dismantled and carefully packed into 94 crates for shipping to Sydney Town Hall where it was carefully unpacked and reassembled. With 9000 pipes, it was the world's largest ,and possibly the best organ ever built when it was completed. Eventually time took its toll and the organ underwent a painstaking restoration that took over 11 years to complete finishing in 1982. Today the Grand Organ receives rigorous maintenance and it is regularly played for concerts and recitals throughout the year.
You can see the exterior of the Town Hall at any time of day or night, however access to the interior is limited to normal business hours unless attending an event. Tours are conducted by Friends of Town Hall for a small donation.
Nearby attractions: Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower, Pitt Street Mall, Darling Harbour and Hyde Park
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No. Guided tours by donation are available after pipe organ concerts. Some events have admission fess.Sydney Town Hall Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: 483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9265 9333
Official Website: Sydney Town Hall
Sydney Town Hall Reviews
Rated out of 5
A stunning Town Hall Sydney can be proud of. We saw the Legends and Lanterns concert during the Lunar New Year. Beautiful architecture, great sound and easy to get to being near Town Hall station, the Light Rail and bus stops(along York st and Park St). There was a light drizzle that night. The floor and stairs outside can be slippery when wet, so take care.
GG Shopping - 3 months ago
We've had the privilege of capturing beautiful moments at Sydney Town Hall. It stands as a quintessential symbol of Sydney's architecture, and hosting weddings within its grand halls adds a truly memorable significance. The historic charm and iconic setting create a backdrop that not only enhances the celebration of love but also crafts enduring and cherished memories for wedding couples. I highly recommend Sydney Town Hall for couples seeking a venue that not only reflects the essence of Sydney but also ensures that their special day is filled with remarkable and meaningful moments.
Salt Atelier - 4 months ago
A worthwhile event. All the pieces had something to say, even if I was not sure what the message was…y’see I chose not to read the descriptions. The moving visuals were excellent, and there was a good choice of merchandise, and it was not overly expensive. You have a bit over 30 minutes to see it all, but that was fine by me, as I’m an impatient art lover.
Alan Nicolle - 4 months ago
We paid our first visit to the town hall to browse the current exhibition The Art of Banksy - Without Limits.
Honestly such a lovely exhibition. Learnt so much about the artist and was inspired by the intent behind his work. We also got to experience spray painting our own tshirts, really fun. The staff were really thoughtful and professional. So thankful for the team who kindly put together the exhibition and Fever for making it possible to view the master's pieces in Sydney.
Now for the town hall itself .. The interior was surprising modern compared to the outsides. Keen to visit the main floor and the rest of the building once renovations are complete ! :)
Lily Huang - 4 months ago
Did the Banksy Exhibition. Great Exhibition, good space, good featured art. Really enjoyable highly recommended
Nick Smith - 4 months ago
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| L2, T1, T2, T3 or T4 | Town Hall | 0 minutes |
How to get to Sydney Town Hall by Train
By Train or Light Rail L2: Exit at Town Hall Station and you are there.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Sydney Town Hall:
Photo Gallery
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Interior of Centennial Hall inside the Sydney Town Hall with the Grand Organ along the far wal -
The renowned Grand Organ inside the Sydney Town Hall cc licensed photo by Newtown grafitti -
Sydney Town Hall at Christmas cc licensed photo by sv1ambo -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bernard Spragg - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sydney Heritage - cc license via Flickr
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