Manchester Town Hall

Manchester Town Hall is a sandstone building in the Gothic Revival style that rises in the centre of the city. The structure has a triangular shape with a central tower, several inner courtyards, and six storeys decorated with intricate carvings and ornaments.

Architect Alfred Waterhouse designed this building during Manchester's boom as a centre of industry and trade. It opened in 1877 and served the growing city administration during a time when wool processing and machine manufacturing made Manchester famous.

The carved figures on the exterior show scenes from Manchester's working life and crafts. They tell the story of people who shaped the city during its time as an industrial centre.

The building sits centrally beside Albert Square near shopping districts and St. Ann's Square, making it easy to reach. Visitors can join guided tours to explore the interior spaces and architectural details.

The bells of the tower clock play tunes six times daily. The interior mosaic also features bee motifs, reminders of the industrial past and the labour force that built Manchester.

Location: Manchester

Inception: 1877

Architects: Alfred Waterhouse

Architectural style: Gothic Revival, High Victorian Gothic

Floors above the ground: 6

Made from material: sandstone ashlar

GPS coordinates: 53.47917,-2.24417

Latest update: December 18, 2025 15:40