A special Manchester Town Hall Open Day – giving people a last chance to explore the iconic building before its temporary closure – has been announced for Sunday 14 January 2018.
From Monday 15 January the building will close to the public to enable the Our Town Hall project to safeguard, repair and partially restore the building, which while structurally sound is more than 140 years old and seriously showing its age with many elements reaching the end of their natural lifespans, to take place.
But before then Manchester people and visitors are being invited to book a free place on the open day which will include the opportunity to explore the Town Hall’s magnificent state rooms including the famous Great Hall and Bees mosaic.
Experts will be on hand to answer questions about its history and there will be a few surprises in store too. The day will end with Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Eddy Newman formally handing the building over to the care of the project team.
Attendance is free but will be on a ticketed basis to manage numbers and help visitors have the best experience. Visit tinyurl.com/ManchesterTownHallOpenDay to book.
Councillor Bernard Priest, Deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Town Hall is a symbol of Mancunian pride and one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the land.
“We’ve had phenomenal interest in tours of the building and this open day, offering a last chance for quite a while to experience its heritage, promises to be a memorable occasion. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to snap up a free ticket as soon as possible.
“When the Town Hall re-opens were are determined to ensure it is more of a visitor destination and that its civic treasures, items which help tell the story of Manchester, are more accessible. This open day should give a flavour of that approach.”
Work to the building will also include improvements to neighbouring Albert Square to enhance its role as a popular events space. The project will also ensure that the Town Hall meets modern access and safety standards and is more energy efficient when it re-opens in 2024.
