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
The largest organ in the world at the time of its completion, it is now the second largest (Not sure) organ but remains the largest mechanical-action pipe organ in the world. Really worth visiting. But you can't go inside without a ticket to a concert. It is right in front of the town hall light rail station, really easy to access
Pasindu Ranasinghe - a month ago
It is a big hall. We got graduation ceremony here.
The ceremony is organized very professionally.
The staffs is Friendly.
They help us change clothes nicely.
One thing is negative that the line of people waiting for taking photography so long. Very slow.
We waited by standing on high-heel shoes about 1h.20min to can get that services.
Overall, it was a nice day.
Nguyen Phuong - 5 months ago
A very special musical experience! The sound of organ is majestic and grand, creating a sacred and powerful atmosphere.
Nan Jiang - 3 weeks ago
This Historical Monument, stands out during Vivid times. Right next to QVB another monument. Interior was so beautiful. Also known as Town Hall, Centennial Hall, Main Hall, Peace Hall, Great Hall and Old Burial Ground. On George St.
Farhan Ali Solangi - 4 months ago
The largest and most ornate late 19th century civic building in Australia is renowned for its high Victorian interiors and rich decoration.
Sydney Town Hall has been a major landmark in the heart of the city for over 130 years, with its steps possibly Sydney's best-used rendezvous point. Today it is a workplace, hireable venue and a seat of local government.
The town hall was built in the 1880s on the site of an old cemetery from local Sydney sandstone!
Firoz Alam - 6 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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