Melbourne Town Hall

The Melbourne Town Hall is a magnificent heritage building steeped in history and located in Swanston Street, in the heart of the city.

In the 1840s the question of a site for a Town Hall was referred by the Council to its Works Committee. In a subsequent report, the Works Committee recommended that 4.047 hectares (10 acres) of land situated on Eastern Hill, which in part included the area laying the foundation stone for the town hall where Parliament House now stands, should be granted to the Corporation as a reserve on which to erect a Town Hall. Superintendent La Trobe agreed to this.

Prior to the building of a Town Hall, the Mechanics’ Institute in Collins Street (now the Athenaeum) was rented as temporary quarters where the Council carried out its business and affairs.

Dr. A.F.A. Greeves, who was a member of the Council and a man of ability and influence, opposed the Works Committee’s proposal, suggesting instead the site at the corner of Collins and Swanston Streets because of its central position and convenience. Although the Committee’s recommendations already had been adopted, the resolution was later amended in favour of the site suggested by Dr. Greeves, which is where Melbourne Town Hall stands today.

The erection of the first Town Hall, a modest brick building, began in 1850 but a shortage of labour brought about by gold discoveries in 1851, delayed completion until 1854. This building was demolished in the mid 1860s and on 29 November 1867, His Royal Highness Alfred Ernst Albert, Duke of Edinburgh, laid the foundation stone for a new Town Hall, which was completed in 1870.

The new building was opened officially by his Excellency the Governor of Victoria Lord

Viscount Canterbury on 9 August, 1870. The Tower was named ‘Prince Alfred’s Tower’ after the Duke of Edinburgh who, on his second visit to Melbourne in 1869, laid a capital on one of the columns of the Town Hall Clock Tower. The Duke was the first official guest in the soon-to-be-completed Town Hall.

The portico on the Swanston Street frontage of the building was added in 1887.

The Melbourne Town Hall, completed in 1870, has been the place where so many of the decisions that have helped to shape Melbourne have been made. It is the hub of Melbourne's cultural and civic activity, playing host to theatrical performances, weddings, receptions and exhibitions.

Free tours of Melbourne's historic Town Hall give visitors the chance to learn about the architectural, social and political significance of this impressive 19th century building.

Experience the grandeur of the impressive wood-panelled Council Chamber, stand on the Portico where the Beatles waved, sit in the Lord Mayor's chair, and view the richly carved Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ. With more than 10,000 pipes it is the largest grand romantic organ in the southern hemisphere.

Tours are on: Monday to Friday - 11am and 1pm

Tours last approximately one hour

Numbers are limited so bookings are essential and required one day in advance. A variety of groups can be accommodated for including local and international visitors, students of all ages disabled and delegations.