St George's Hall

About

Delve into the very heart of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage St George’s Quarter and you’ll find one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in the world.

The Grade I listed St George’s Hall, opposite Lime Street Station, stands 169ft long and 74ft wide with a tunnel vaulted ceiling – the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe. Built in the early 1800s as a grand hub for music festivals and the Civil and Crown courts, St George’s Hall has been at the very epicentre of Liverpool life ever since.

After a £23m refurbishment programme, this magnificent structure reopened its doors in 2007, returning to its former glory as an unrivalled spot for world-class events and happenings.

The interior architecture cannot be beaten; with a ceiling supported on massive red granite columns, and figures portraying qualities Victorian Liverpool aspired to - art, science, fortitude and justice. Look beyond the gold leaf and porticoes in the Great Hall; this is home to the greatest brick arches in the world, and houses a breath-taking Minton tiled floor of 30,000 mosaic tiles. Since the floor was uncovered back in 1954, the public has been able to glimpse it numerous times throughout years – keep an eye out on our social channels for the next ‘big reveal’!

Throughout the year, St George’s Hall plays host to plenty of free and paid public events and exhibitions – it’s even a popular location for filming, so you might even stumble upon a set fit for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them!

To really understand the workings and behind-the-scene wonders, we highly suggest booking yourself onto one of their tours. Explore the nooks and crannies of St George’s Hall that the public rarely get to see by following their enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides that will tell you fascinating stories and lead you around the catacombs, cells and rooms of this magnificent building. Tours can be booked at the Heritage Centre and are easily tailored to meet requirements.

Planning on making it a whole day experience? Perfect! The café offers salads, freshly made sandwiches, cakes and pastries to keep you going, and you can pick up all of the Liverpool gifts you might need at The Heritage Centre.

Key features of the Heritage Centre include:
• The original south entrance hall on St Johns Lane, designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, but never before used by the public;
• Opportunities to visit the cells used by prisoners awaiting trial;
• The newly refurbished Criminal Court and Judge’s Robing Room;
• Glimpses of the unique ventilation system designed by Dr David Boswell Reid;
• A new accessible viewing gallery for the Great Hall;
• St George’s Hall Café (open 7 days a week 8.30am – 4.00pm)