Buildings in cities tell a story about the area that other monuments cannot narrate. The architecture, the setting, the purpose for which they have been used for and the people who have frequented these structures all tell a story about a place, about its history and the citizens who have lived here. Located in the downtown area, Auckland Town Hall on Queen Street is one such site where visitors are sure to get a glimpse of a time gone by in a contemporary setting.
The building was well known in the past and continues to hold a prominent position due to the administrative use it has rendered over time. Hearings and council meetings take place here and in addition there is a concert chamber and a well known hall that make this edifice even more special. The importance given to this site is also evident in the very fact that the Town Hall and the surrounding area are regarded as a Category A heritage setting in the city.
The building was declared open by the then Governor of New Zealand, Lord Islington on the 14th of December 1911 and thus making it one of the most famous and important heritage sites on Queen Street. The architectural design of the building was done by J.J & E.J Clarke, a Melbourne Architecture firm that was chosen out of 46 proposals.
One of the biggest attractions in this building apart from the premises itself is the Town Hall organ. It is regarded to be the country’s largest musical instrument and it also goes as far back as 1911. Though with time the organ was changed to suit the needs of each era, it was restored to its original glory and was unveiled to the public in 2010.
