Hilversum town hall, Municipal building in Hilversum, Netherlands.
Hilversum Town Hall is a municipal building featuring yellow brick walls with strong horizontal lines and a 48-meter tower that rises above a reflecting pond. Two inner courtyards frame the composition, showcasing an orderly approach to modern 20th-century design.
Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok designed the building in 1924, with construction taking place between 1927 and 1931. Since then, it has served as Hilversum's administrative center and shaped the city's appearance through its forward-thinking design.
The council chamber displays gold-tiled details and green silk wall coverings that express the importance of civic decisions made there. Such rich interior finishes reflect how the space was meant to honor public governance.
The basement houses the Dudok Architecture Center, offering information about the building's design and guided tours of the spaces. Visitors should take note of the entrance area, which features marble and gilded columns that set the first impression of the place.
The building's bell chimes were broadcast live on Dutch radio stations every hour until the 1960s, making it an auditory landmark for listeners across the region. This daily sound connection turned the structure into a familiar presence in many homes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
