Designed by the notable architects W.L. Ellis and George Raymond Johnson, who also created Melbourne’s Meat Market, Collingwood Town Hall and the North Melbourne Town Hall blueprints, the Fitzroy Town Hall is an iconic venue that echoes the city’s rich history and architectural grandeur. With its elegant classical design and storied past, it continues to serve as a lively cultural hub, offering a range of events from elegant weddings and corporate functions to live performances.
Background on Fitzroy Town Hall
The town hall is a 1992 Heritage Victoria-designated spot and a great example of Melbourne’s rapid urban expansion of the time, as it was built in 1873 after the gold rush era. Thanks to its impressive Victorian structure and its history, the town hall has hosted a number of significant events throughout its history, such as the “Cities of the Mind” cantata by Martin Friedel and many a performances by the Astra Chamber Music Society.
What can you do at Fitzroy Town Hall ?
The elegant Fitzroy Town Hall events are well-known in the city and beyond due to the venue’s breathtaking spaces, including the Grand Ballroom with a capacity to accommodate up to 350 guests, and the Reading Room, boasting warm wooden interiors for events for up to 100 people.
These spaces regularly welcome weddings, meetings, conferences, cocktail parties, lectures and currently, the historic venue is also playing host to enchanting Candlelight concerts. These candlelit performances pay homage to iconic composers and artists, including Queen and Frank Sinatra in a captivating setting provided by the glowing sea of candles.
When does the venue open?
The town hall’s opening hours depend on the events held. If you’re looking to hire one of its spaces, the venue can be booked from 6 am and all functions must finish by 11 pm Sunday to Thursday or by 1 am Fridays and Saturdays.
Fitzroy Town Hall parking options
There are three nearby parking facilities that include Wilson Parking at Aldi Fitzroy (free parking for up to 1.5 hours), Greenco Parking and Woolworths Fitzroy Car Park (free parking for up to 1.5 hours).
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Besides the stage of the Grand Ballroom, all the other areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible.
Not to be confused with Fitzroy Town Hall Hotel, the historic venue is located at 201 Napier Street in the vibrant suburb of Fitzroy, making it easily accessible from the city centre. The fastest way to get there is to taxi but there are public transport options that are cheaper. For instance, you can choose the line 11 tram that takes you there in 8 minutes. However, if you prefer the bus, another option is the line 200 bus for double the time.
In short, Fitzroy Town Hall is one of Melbourne’s most important landmarks that maintains its long tradition of hosting cultural events and activities. One of its most popular plans are the breathtaking Candlelight concerts that recreate the greatest hits and compositions under the warm glow of candlelight.