Victoria City Hall, British Columbia, Second Empire town hall in Victoria, Canada
Victoria City Hall is a three-story town hall built in the Second Empire style, located downtown at the corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. The brick building features a 105-foot clock tower, tall windows, a metal mansard roof, and dormer windows that break up the roofline.
Architect John Teague designed the building, which opened in 1890 during Victoria's growth as a provincial capital. It was later designated a National Historic Site in 1977 in recognition of its architectural significance.
The building sits on lands traditionally used by the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, creating a connection between city government and Indigenous presence in this place. Walking through the halls, you notice how the structure serves as a gathering point for civic life in Victoria.
The building is easily accessible in downtown Victoria at a central intersection, and the exterior can be viewed at any time. Since it remains an active government office, visiting the interior requires attention to posted hours and any entry restrictions.
The exterior features three different materials blended together: concrete, brick, and stone, creating a layered and complex appearance that sets it apart from typical government buildings. This combination of materials gives the facade texture and visual interest that changes with the light.
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