Hobart Town Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hobart Town Hall |
|
|---|---|
Front facade.
|
|
| 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 famous old building in Hobart, Tasmania. It's made of sandstone and is a very important place for the city. This building is where the City of Hobart local government meets to make decisions.
It's also a public place where events can be held. Sometimes, you can even take a tour inside! You can see its beautiful old auditorium and a special organ that has been played since 1870.
Building History
.jpg)
The construction of the Hobart Town Hall began in 1864. On April 14, the first stone was laid, which was a big event. People even had a public holiday and a parade to celebrate!
The building was finished two years later, in September 1866. This was also celebrated with another public holiday and a fancy party called a gala ball.
Who Designed It?
The Town Hall was designed by an architect named Henry Hunter. He got some ideas for his design from a famous old building in Rome, Italy, called the Palazzo Farnese. This style is known as Neo-Renaissance, which means "new rebirth" and looks back to ancient Roman and Greek designs.
What Was It Used For?
When it first opened, the Town Hall was a very busy place. It wasn't just for city council meetings. It also housed the police offices, the local court, and even the State Library of Tasmania. These different offices stayed there for almost 50 years!
The Town Hall and a nearby park called Franklin Square were built on a special spot. This was where the old government house used to be before a new one was built.
Repairs and Changes
Over time, buildings need repairs. By 1925, the front entrance, called a portico, was in bad shape. It was even declared unsafe! So, a lot of work had to be done to fix it and make it safe again.
Inside the Town Hall, especially in the big ballroom, you can see beautiful chandeliers. These fancy lights were put there by a former Lord Mayor of Hobart, Doone Kennedy.
