What is Melbourne Town Hall?
Melbourne Town Hall is the grand civic building on the corner of Swanston and Collins streets in the CBD. Completed in 1870, it is the home of the City of Melbourne council and a major venue for events.
The building was designed by architects Reed and Barnes in the Second Empire style, with a tall clock tower and a portico over the footpath. Its clock tower, named after Prince Alfred, has been a landmark for over 150 years.
Inside, the Main Auditorium hosts concerts, comedy shows and public meetings. Its grand pipe organ, rebuilt after a fire in 1925, is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Famous moments
In 1964, the Beatles appeared on the Town Hall balcony, waving to huge crowds gathered on Swanston Street. The building is also central to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, held each autumn.
The portico was added in 1887. Council meetings take place in the council chamber, and the building also hosts citizenship ceremonies.
Guided tours explain the history, architecture and organ, and the Town Hall is a focus for events such as New Year's Eve and Moomba.
Did You Know?
Melbourne Town Hall's organ has around 10,000 pipes.