INSIDE AUCKLAND LIVE 

Find out more about life inside Auckland Live with regular nuggets of information and fun facts about our people, venues, shows, and live arts and entertainment. 
 

14 December, 2017

Who’s turning 106 this week?

Ageing gracefully is effortless for the Auckland Town Hall, which turns 106-years-old this week.

The iconic Auckland landmark was opened on 14 December 1911 by then-Governor General Lord Islington, and today is an Auckland Council A and Category 1 Heritage NZ listed building.  

Constructed of Oamaru limestone and volcanic basalt, the beautiful neo-Baroque building bears a striking resemblance to the Lambeth Town Hall in London, built at around the same time. 

Inside, the glorious acoustics of the Great Hall make the venue one of the most pre-eminent in world, and over the years has hosted countless significant events and figures. Home to the mighty Town Hall Organ (and its 5000 pipes!) the Great Hall is also the Auckland base of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music NZ. 

Next door, the smaller Concert Chamber - also renowned for its acoustics - is the preferred venue for more intimate performances, such as cabaret, chamber music and children’s theatre. 

You can take a 3-D virtual tour of the Auckland Town Hall here.

 

Auckland Town Hall fun facts:

• It has kauri floors and hand-blown chandeliers. 
• It was Auckland’s first permanent seat of civic administration. 
• The Auckland Town Hall Organ is the largest musical instrument in NZ!