Belfast City Hall, standing tall and proud in the heart of Belfast, is a symbol of the city’s history and resilience. This magnificent architectural masterpiece, with its elegant Baroque Revival style, is much more than a civic building. It’s a historical icon that bears witness to the tumultuous history of the city. This article aims to shed light on how this phenomenal structure became an emblem of Belfast’s past, present, and future.
Construction of Belfast City Hall
Belfast ascended to city status in 1888, a commendation bestowed by Queen Victoria herself. This was in recognition of its remarkable expansion, particularly in the linen, rope-making and shipbuilding sectors. To commemorate this monumental moment in the city’s history, the city council set out to construct an impressive city hall.
Esteemed architect Alfred Brumwell Thomas claimed victory in the design competition, establishing the blueprint for the city’s future architectural symbol. His winning design sowed the seed for what was to become the city’s historical icon.
Belfast City Hall’s journey from conception to reality began in earnest in 1898. This began within the confines of the erstwhile Linen Hall. Over the next eight years, meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and an impressive budget of £369,000 transformed the architect’s blueprint into a tangible marvel. Every brick was carefully laid and each detail meticulously sculpted, until at last, the doors opened on 1st August 1906.
Belfast had been bestowed with a new civic pride. A living monument built from Portland stone that would forever encapsulate the spirit and resilience of the city. Today, it remains a lasting emblem of Belfast’s distinctive passage through history.

Image courtesy of Bangor Historical Society
Belfast City Hall’s journey from conception to reality began in earnest in 1898. This began within the confines of the erstwhile Linen Hall. Over the next eight years, meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and an impressive budget of £369,000 transformed the architect’s blueprint into a tangible marvel. Every brick was carefully laid and each detail meticulously sculpted, until at last, the doors opened on 1st August 1906.
Belfast had been bestowed with a new civic pride. A living monument built from Portland stone that would forever encapsulate the spirit and resilience of the city. Today, it remains a lasting emblem of Belfast’s distinctive passage through history.
Belfast City Hall – Throughout the years
Belfast City Hall is a treasure trove of awe-inspiring features that add to its historical charm. Step inside, and you’re met with an array of opulent details: sweeping marble staircases and stunning mosaic tiling that narrate the city’s story. Its majestic stained-glass windows are true works of art, each pane shedding light on a different chapter of Belfast’s past.
Outside, the architectural gem is crowned with a copper-domed clock tower, standing as a timeless sentinel over the city. Sprinkled around the grounds, you’ll find a collection of ornate sculptures and poignant memorials, with the Titanic Memorial Garden being the most renowned. Each feature of the City Hall contributes to the narrative tapestry of Belfast, enriching its compelling history.

The City Hall has stood steadfast through Belfast’s turbulent times, absorbing the impact of historical events. In the throes of World War II, it became an indispensable nucleus for civil defence, standing as a beacon of resilience amidst the chaos. The Troubles, a particularly tumultuous era in Belfast’s past, saw the city hall morph into a stage for numerous demonstrations and political rallies. Regardless of the unrest that swirled outside its doors, the City Hall stood strong, its stoic silhouette a reassuring sight in uncertain times. This unyielding strength is a testament to the City Hall’s unique role in Belfast’s history – not just as a silent observer, but as an enduring symbol of the city’s invincible spirit.
Belfast City Hall – Today
Currently, Belfast City Hall remains a vibrant heart of the city. It pulsates with life as it hosts council meetings and a myriad of civic events. Beyond its function as a government hub, it welcomes visitors into its exhibition halls, where tales of Belfast’s journey are revealed. Stepping into its confines is akin to stepping into a live history book, a chance to absorb the city’s narrative first-hand.
Its splendid gardens are a treasured oasis for city dwellers and travellers alike, a verdant sanctuary adorned with statues, memorials and the famous Titanic Memorial Garden. As the present unfolds, Belfast City Hall continues to stand strong, mirroring the city’s evolving story.

Tours of Belfast City Hall
If you’re interested take the guided tour inside the City Hall. Tickets are only £6 per person and can be purchased at the main reception desk. It takes around 50 minutes and is excellent. The tour takes you through the first floor rooms not usually accessible to the public. There is also an amazing collection of stained-glass windows, a 16-room visitor exhibition, coffee shop and much more located here.
The guided tours take place at 11am, 2pm and 3pm Monday-Friday and at 12noon, 2pm and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There is an extra tour at 4pm between June and September. The Bobbin Coffee Shop is open 9am-4.30pm Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Check via the council website below for changes especially around public holidays. Contact details as follows:
Email: visitcityhall@belfastcity.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)28 9027 0456
Website: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall
Belfast City Hall is also our starting point for the Belfast City Sightseeing tour!
We can be contacted by email at info@citysightseeingbelfast.com or through our tour office on +44 (0)28 90 321321. We look forward to seeing you soon!