St Kilda Town Hall, Melbourne

St Kilda Town Hall, Melbourne

Saint Kilda Town Hall is a majestic city hall characterized by its classical architectural style. Its initial construction, which was never fully finished, began in 1890 and was intended to serve as the municipal offices and public hall for the former City of Saint Kilda. Throughout the early and mid-20th century, numerous additions, internal modifications, and alterations to its appearance were undertaken, solidifying its status as the civic and social hub of Saint Kilda.

In 1991, a destructive fire severely damaged the town hall and its art collection. An award-winning restoration and expansion project followed. In 1994, it became the City of Port Phillip headquarters, leading to more extensions and renovations. Despite changes, the hall remains a popular venue for social events, meetings, and performances for over 120 years.

The Saint Kilda town hall was commissioned as a replacement for an earlier building constructed in 1859 at the intersection of Grey and Barkly Streets. The decision to build on this site was made in 1883, and the location was officially selected in 1887. An elaborate design featuring towers, created by architect William Pitt in an ornate Second Empire style, emerged victorious in a limited design competition held in 1888.

The building, opened in 1890, remained incomplete with only the hall, front wing, and Carlisle Street wings built. In 1892, George Fincham installed a large pipe organ instead of completing it. Later, a classical portico was added in 1925, and an ornate stair-hall was created. An Art Deco Council Chamber was added in 1939, and a modernist addition in 1971.

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St Kilda Town Hall on Map

Sight Name: St Kilda Town Hall
Sight Location: Melbourne, Australia (See walking tours in Melbourne)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Melbourne, Australia

Create Your Own Walk in Melbourne

Create Your Own Walk in Melbourne

Creating your own self-guided walk in Melbourne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
St. Kilda District Walking Tour

St. Kilda District Walking Tour

A cosmopolitan seaside suburb of Melbourne overlooking Port Phillip Bay, Saint Kilda District is a charming and culturally rich neighborhood graced with a blend of historical landmarks and contemporary attractions.

One of its prominent sites is the Saint Kilda Town Hall, an imposing municipal building that serves as a hub for various community events and gatherings.

Eildon Mansion, another...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Laneways and Arcades Walking Tour

Laneways and Arcades Walking Tour

With over 40 laneways and arcades found in Melbourne, one can easily traverse a good part of the city's Central Business District through them, without even setting foot on a street. Many of these laneways date back to the Victorian era and are packed to the brim with all sorts of retail establishments and eateries – each with its own distinctive character and charm.

One of the most...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Melbourne's architecture is a rich cocktail of styles ranging from those practiced in the early years of European settlement of Australia to the more modern ones. Among the historical buildings particularly noticeable here are those from the Victorian era, forming an essential part of the city's heritage.

The Old Melbourne Gaol once served as a prison, from 1842 to 1929, and is...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Melbourne Introduction Walking Tour

Melbourne Introduction Walking Tour

Melbourne is the capital and largest city in the Australian state of Victoria. The metro area consists of 31 different towns spread around the bay of Port Philip. Indigenous Australians have lived here for more than 40,000 years. European settlement began in the 1830s when settlers arrived from Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). The settlement, incorporated in 1837, was named for the British Prime...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Melbourne Food Tour

Melbourne Food Tour

Relatively small compared to the likes of New York City or London, Melbourne is quite big when it comes to food – standing tall among major international culinary destinations. The influence of multiple waves of immigration from Europe and Southeast Asia has rendered this Australian city's gastronomic landscape insanely varied and opulent.

Indeed, the local food scene caters to a wide...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles

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Chocolate Indulgence Tour of Melbourne

Chocolate Indulgence Tour of Melbourne

Melbourne has a reputation for cafés and fine restaurants, and lately a chocolate fever has taken over the city. This tour takes you through the alleyways and arcades of the city center whilst stopping at selected chocolate indulgence points. Take your senses on a unique experience through six of...