Town Hall, Auckland

The Auckland Town Hall is one of the city’s best loved architectural masterpieces having served Auckland and its residents since it was inaugurated in 1911. The building was designed in an unusual layout in order to fit onto the wedge shaped land that had been put aside for the construction of a town hall. The neo-Baroque building is a five storey building that is constructed out of Omaru limestone and it was totally restored between 1994 and 1997 to ensure that the building continued to best serve the needs of the local population. During the restoration process the original stained glass windows and proscenium arch of the Concert Chamber were discovered and restored to their correct place.

The result of the renovations was a building that has stayed true to its original layout and design – with its kauri floors, ornate plasterwork, delicate stained windows and pressed metal ceiling. At the same time it is now able to offer world class concert halls and performance spaces. The Great Hall is able to seat around 1500 people on three levels and the Concert Chamber has seating for around 430 people on two levels. The pipe organ in the Town Hall is the largest musical instrument in the country.