St George's Hall Liverpool - Britain All Over Travel Guide

St George’s Hall Liverpool

Architecture | Functions | Access | Hotels in Liverpool

The building is Grade I listed and dates from 1854

St George’s Hall in Liverpool just opposite Lime Street Station is usually what visitors to this port city see first when they exit the station. The huge Grade I listed building would probably be classified as a ‘landscraper’ in today’s architectural parlance due to its vast size.

Throughout its history, St. George’s Hall has been central to the cultural and civic life of Liverpool. It has witnessed significant events, including speeches by such distinguished figures such as Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill. The hall’s role in Liverpool’s cultural scene continues to this day, with regular performances, weddings and other events held here.

The design by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes is heavily neoclassical in style

Architecture

The 169 foot (51.5 meter)-long neoclassical building is the work of Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, a young architect who won the open competition for its design in 1839. Tragically, Elmes died in 1847 at the age of 34, before the hall was completed in 1854. His lavish design was heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, particularly the Roman Pantheon.

Statue of the Earl of Beaconsfield (1804-1881)

Exterior

The exterior of St. George’s Hall is grand and imposing. It features a monumental colonnade of 16 Corinthian columns, each standing at 45 feet tall, dominating the front façade. The columns support a triangular pediment adorned with sculptures depicting Britannia, Mercury, and Neptune. The main entrance is flanked by statues of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.

One of the ten chandeliers, brass and bronze, decorated with prows of ships, heads of Neptune and Liver Birds.

One of the ten chandeliers in brass and bronze, decorated with prows of ships, heads of Neptune and Liver Birds by Cockerill

Interior

The interior of St. George’s Hall is equally impressive. The Great Hall, the centerpiece of the building, is a vast space with a vaulted ceiling supported by massive columns. The hall is often used for concerts, ceremonies, and other public events due to its exceptional acoustics and grandeur. The Minton tiled floor, comprising 30,000 tiles, is one of the largest and most intricate examples of its kind, featuring subtle, mainly classical designs and patterns.

Underneath the building were once the prison cells and law courts which are now the subject of “The History Whisperer” tour (see below).

Equestrian statue of Queen Victoria

Restorations

Over the years, St. George’s Hall has undergone several restoration projects to preserve its architectural splendor. Conservation efforts have focused on maintaining the building’s original features while ensuring it remains functional for modern use. The hall’s last major restoration completed in 2007 has been recognized with numerous awards.

Functions

The hall now serves various functions, including hosting concerts, conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and civic ceremonies including weddings.

The Concert Room and smaller function rooms within the building also cater to a range of events, from weddings to corporate functions.

The building also once housed the Liverpool Crown Court and various administrative offices until the mid-1980s. These have since moved to the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts in Derby Square.

Liverpool Lime Street Station

Access – Getting There

St George’s Place
Liverpool L1 1JJ
Tel: 0151 225 6909
www: stgeorgeshallliverpool.co.uk

The building is just opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station and a short walk from Queens Square bus station.

The Visitor Entrance (accessible via St John’s Lane, L1 1HF) is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.45 pm).

Visitors to St. George’s Hall can take guided tours to explore its architectural splendor and history. See “The History Whisperer” experience every half an hour between 10 am and 3 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays on the official website (above). There are also less frequent tours of the interior of the hall itself.

Popular too are the organ recitals on the restored historic 1855 organ. At present they take place once a month on a Tuesday between 12.45 pm and 1.30 pm. Again please see the official website for further details.

The building also contains the St George’s Cafe 1854. It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm.

South side of St George’s Hall

Liverpool Attractions

Among the many attractions in Liverpool is the International Slavery Museum within the Merseyside Maritime Museum and Tate Liverpool on Albert Dock. Look out, too, for the Dazzle ships in Liverpool harbour, as well as the Open Eye Gallery.