Located on the traditional lands of the Eastern Kulin nation, the Melbourne Town Hall is a magnificent heritage building in the heart of the city.
The building is the place where many of the decisions that have helped to shape Melbourne have been made. Today it is also a hub of Melbourne's cultural and civic activity, playing host to live music performances, weddings, receptions and exhibitions.
Building the town hall
Prior to the construction of a town hall building, the Mechanics' Institute in Collins Street (now the Athenaeum) was rented as temporary quarters where the council carried out its business and affairs.
The first town hall building was completed in 1854 and demolished in the mid 1860s. A new building was completed in 1870.