Melbourne Town Hall

Located on corner of Swanston and Collins streets in the city of Melbourne, the Town Hall is said to be the core of the whole area. Indeed, standing right on the city's central business district, the Melbourne Town Hall can be rightfully described as such. Aside from housing the Local Government of Melbourne, the town hall is also a place in which theatrical plays, exhibitions, weddings and receptions are held.

Background

As with other sites in the Melbourne area, the Town Hall also had its historical roots in the mining industry. With more and more of the local laborers turning instantly into gold miners, the discovery of gold in 1851 caused manpower shortage and almost hindered the progress and building of the then Melbourne town hall. Years later, the Town Hall's construction was revived, thanks to the efforts of the Duke of Edinburgh. When the Duke visited the area the second time around, the Town Hall was almost finished and was soon complemented with its own Clock Tower. In 1870, the Melbourne Town Hall was finally completed and opened to the locals. It was called Prince Alfred's Tower, naming after the Duke of Edinburgh.

Features

Outside the Prince Alfred's Tower can be seen the Town Hall clock, which was made 4 years after the town hall's completion. Designed by Smith and Sons of London, the clock was presented to the Council by Vallange Condell, son of Melbourne's first Mayor, on 1874. The clock measures 8 feet in diameter and its hands, which are purely made from copper, measure 3 feet and 10 inches long (for the longer hand) and weighs 8.85 kilograms.

Aside from the clock, also inside the town hall are two grand organs, which were installed in 1872. Unfortunately, a few decades later, specifically in 1925, the town hall was subject to a huge fire, destroying a great part of the place, including the main auditorium and one of the two organs. The burned part of the town hall, along with the piano, was then rebuilt and refurnished. The auditorium, on the other hand, was overhauled and enlarged.

Though not all features of the burned town hall were replaced, like the mansrad roof, the Melbourne Town Hall is still known for its classy interiors. Designed by architects Kennedy Grainger and Yulle, the building's interiors reflect a mixture of Italian and English inspirations dating from the 1500 to 1800. Inside the town hall can also be found furniture and other pieces made with the style and elegance of the building itself.

Tour Information

Even though the Melbourne Town Hall is fully operational, with its administrative building housing the Council Chamber, the place itself is open for visitors. Free tours are given to people who get to see and learn not only about the town hall, but some of Melbourne's history as well. Tours, which last for about an hour, are scheduled on weekdays, 11 am and 1 pm. Because the numbers are only limited, it is suggested to have a reservation at least a day before the visit. Reservations and other inquiries can be made through the phone or email.