St George's Hall

Vast neoclassical concert hall and law court, called the finest in Europe

Address St George's Place, Liverpool, L1 1JJ

A vast neoclassical building completed in 1854 to combine concert halls and law courts in a single civic monument — a striking idea that produced one of the great public buildings of Victorian Britain. Designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes when he was 25, and completed after his early death by C.R. Cockerell.

The Great Hall, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and Willis pipe organ, is still used for concerts, exhibitions and ceremonies. The Concert Room, smaller and more intimate, is considered acoustically perfect. Outside, the steps and plateau host civic events, vigils and an annual ice rink. Walk in for free during opening hours.

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Charles Dickens described the concert room here as "the most perfect room in the world." The Minton tile floor — over 30,000 hand-made encaustic tiles — is normally covered to protect it, but is uncovered for public viewing about twice a year.

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