Hobart Town Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hobart Town Hall |
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Front facade.
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neo-Renaissance |
| Location | Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Coordinates | 42°52′57″S 147°19′51″E / 42.8825°S 147.3309°E |
| Construction started | 1864 |
| Completed | 1866 |
| Owner | Hobart City Council |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Henry Hunter |
The Hobart Town Hall is a very important and beautiful building in Hobart, Tasmania. It is made of sandstone and looks like a grand old palace. This building is where the local government of Hobart meets to make decisions for the city.
It is also a public place where people can hold events. Sometimes, you can even take a tour inside! You can see its fancy Victorian-style main hall and a huge organ that has been played since 1870.
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Discovering Hobart Town Hall
The Hobart Town Hall is more than just an office building. It is a place for the community. Many important events happen here, from meetings about the city to fun public gatherings.
It stands proudly in the heart of Hobart, showing off its unique design. The building is a key part of the city's history and daily life.
A Look Inside the Hall
When you step inside the Town Hall, you will find amazing rooms. The main hall, called the auditorium, is very grand. It has beautiful decorations from the Victorian era.
One of the most special things inside is the large organ. It has been played for over 150 years! Imagine all the music that has filled the hall from this amazing instrument.
Building History: How It All Began
The construction of the Hobart Town Hall started a long time ago, in 1864. On April 14 of that year, a special ceremony took place. People laid the first stone, called the foundation stone, to begin the building. This was such a big event that it was a public holiday, and everyone celebrated with a parade!
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The building was finished two years later, in September 1866. This was another reason for a big party, with another public holiday and a fancy ball. The architect, Henry Hunter, designed the building. His ideas were partly inspired by a famous old palace in Rome, Italy, called the Palazzo Farnese.
Early Uses of the Hall
When the Town Hall first opened, it was a very busy place. It held the offices for the City of Hobart council, where city leaders met. It also had police offices and a court where small legal cases were handled. Even the State Library of Tasmania was located there for nearly 50 years!
The Town Hall and a nearby park, Franklin Square, were built on an important spot. This was once the location of an older government house. That old building was taken down when the current Government House was completed.
The Famous Organ
One of the most treasured items in the Town Hall is its magnificent organ. It was built by a company called J. W. Walker in London. Many people believed it was one of the best organs in all of Australia.
The organ was first played in a special concert on March 17, 1870. Famous musicians like F. A. Packer and Albert Alexander played it for the very first time.
Fixing Up the Hall
Over many years, buildings need repairs. By 1925, a part of the Town Hall called the portico needed a lot of work. The portico is the grand entrance with columns. It had become unsafe, so major repairs were done to make it strong and beautiful again.
Sparkling Chandeliers
The Town Hall's ballroom is known for its beautiful chandeliers. These sparkling lights were put in by a former Lord Mayor named Doone Kennedy. They add a touch of elegance to the many events held in the ballroom.
