Belfast City Hall

In the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland, stands an architectural marvel that has been the pride of the city for over a century. Belfast City Hall, a stunning example of Baroque Revival architecture, is not just a civic building but a symbol of Belfast's rich history and vibrant culture. Located in Donegall Square, this Grade A listed building is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

The History of Belfast City Hall

The story of Belfast City Hall begins in 1888 when Queen Victoria granted Belfast city status, recognizing its rapid industrial growth and burgeoning population. The city's leaders decided that the existing Town Hall on Victoria Street was no longer grand enough for their new status. They chose the site of the old White Linen Hall, an important linen exchange, for the new building. The construction was funded by profits from the city's gas industry, and the building was designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas.

Built at a cost of £369,000, Belfast City Hall was completed in 1906. The building's design, with its Portland stone exterior and copper domes, was so impressive that it inspired similar structures in other cities, including the city hall in Durban, South Africa, and the Port of Liverpool Building in England. The City Hall celebrated its centenary in 2006 with a series of events, including a 'Century of Memories' exhibition and a family picnic day.

Exploring Belfast City Hall

As you approach Belfast City Hall, you'll be struck by its grandeur. The building features towers at each corner, with a central dome that rises to a height of 173 feet. The pediment sculpture by F.W. Pomeroy, assisted by local carver J. Edgar Winter, adds to the building's majestic appearance. This iconic structure even appears on the reverse side of current series of sterling banknotes issued by the Northern Bank.

Step inside, and you'll find yourself in the Porte-Cochère and Grand Entrance, where the grandeur continues. The interior is adorned with Carrara, Pavonazzo, and Brescia marbles, and the stained glass windows are a sight to behold. These windows feature the Belfast coat of arms, portraits of Queen Victoria and William III, and the shields of the provinces of Ireland. One particularly poignant window commemorates the 36th (Ulster) Division.

The Grand Staircase leads you to the Reception Room and the Banqueting Hall. The latter's roof was destroyed during the Belfast blitz in 1941 and had to be rebuilt. The Banqueting Hall is a testament to the resilience of the city and its people.

Grounds and Public Memorials

The grounds of Belfast City Hall are as impressive as the building itself. They house several public memorials, each with its own story to tell. The memorial to Sir Edward Harland, the former head of the Harland & Wolff shipyard and Lord Mayor of Belfast, was sculpted by Sir Thomas Brock and unveiled in 1903. Another statue by Brock, of Queen Victoria, was unveiled by King Edward VII in the same year.

The Titanic Memorial, dedicated in 1920, pays tribute to the victims of the ill-fated ship, many of whom were from Belfast. The Garden of Remembrance and Cenotaph, unveiled in 1929, serves as Northern Ireland's main war memorial. A granite column dedicated to the American Expeditionary Force, unveiled in 1943, commemorates the American troops who were based in Belfast prior to D-Day.

In October 1999, a memorial to Leading Seaman James Magennis VC, made from Portland stone and bronze, was erected in the grounds. More recently, in 2006, Belfast City Councillors ratified a plan to erect a statue of the late footballer George Best. The George Best Memorial Trust was created, and the statue was funded by contributions from the public, including a donation from footballer David Healy.

In addition to these historical memorials, the grounds have also hosted a 60-metre Ferris wheel, which offered panoramic views of the city from 2008 to 2010. The Imjin River Memorial, commemorating Irish troops lost in the Korean War, was relocated to the grounds in 2008. On International Women's Day in 2024, bronze statues of anti-slavery campaigner Mary Ann McCracken and trade unionist Winifred Carney were unveiled, celebrating their contributions to social justice and workers' rights.

Visiting Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy a permanent exhibition that opened in 2017. Free guided tours are available, offering access to areas usually closed to the public. These tours provide a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of the building, as well as the stories of the people who have shaped Belfast over the years.

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of Belfast's most iconic landmarks, Belfast City Hall is a must-visit. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful grounds make it a highlight of any trip to the city. So, take a stroll through Donegall Square, step inside this magnificent building, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Belfast.