Ever wondered how a gold rush could inspire a town hall? Here at Melbourne Town Hall, we’re standing before a building that embodies Melbourne’s ambition.
Melbourne Town Hall is more than bricks and mortar. It is the administrative heart of the City of Melbourne. The Lord Mayor and city councillors have their primary offices here. This building has been a vital part of Melbourne since its completion in 1887. It proudly stands on the northeast corner of Swanston and Collins streets.
Let’s step back in time. Melbourne was officially declared a town in 1842. But it wasn’t until 1854 that the first Town Hall appeared. Work on it stopped due to the Victorian gold rush. A grander vision emerged after the first one was torn down. Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, laid the foundation stone for the new Melbourne Town Hall in 1867.
Imagine the lavish ball that marked its opening in 1870. Lord Mayor Samuel Amess funded it himself. The front portico was added later in 1887. An administrative annex followed in 1908.
Did you know the Melbourne Town Hall hosted an early cinema event? Soldiers of the Cross premiered here in 1900. Four thousand people attended.
Meet James “Jimmy” Dewar. He was the hall keeper in the 1930s. A Scottish immigrant and Black Watch veteran, he lived in the Hall’s penthouse with his family. His children’s playground was the roof. Dame Nellie Melba once borrowed his piano for an encore.
Tragedy struck in 1925. A fire destroyed much of the Town Hall including the main auditorium and pipe organ. The hall was rebuilt. It expanded over the old Victoria Coffee Palace site.
The Beatles caused a sensation here in 1964. Twenty thousand teenagers gathered outside. They hoped to catch a glimpse of the pop idols.
Joseph Reed and Barnes designed the Melbourne Town Hall in the Second Empire style. Reed also designed the State Library of Victoria and the Royal Exhibition Building.
Notice Prince Alfred’s Tower. It features a clock that began ticking in 1874. The Mayor’s son gifted it to the council.
Inside, the Main Auditorium boasts a magnificent concert organ. It has 9,568 pipes. It is the largest and most comprehensive pipe organ in Australia.
The organ was originally built in 1872. It was destroyed in the 1925 fire. A new organ was installed in 1929. It has since been rebuilt and enlarged.
Melbourne Town Hall continues to be a hub of cultural and political life. From royal visits to rock concerts, it has seen it all. Its history is etched into every stone. Its story continues with every event held within its walls. As we conclude our visit, remember Melbourne Town Hall. It is not just a building. It is a living testament to Melbourne’s past and present.