Things to do

Sydney Town Hall throws open its doors

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of one of Sydney's most iconic buildings with free activities for all ages

Town Hall building with clear skies in the background. Celebrate Sydney Town Hall

Sydney Town Hall has been a major landmark in the heart of the city centre for over 130 years and a much-loved public venue.

Built between 1868 and 1889 from local Sydney sandstone quarried in Pyrmont, it occupies the site which was once the old Sydney burial ground.

The building played a key role in projecting the confidence and ambition of Sydney in the 19th century, expressed in its architecture and ornamentation. Today, it is the backdrop for celebrating Sydney’s vibrant multicultural communities and welcomes performers of all ages and backgrounds to its stage. High above the street, even in this digital age, its magnificent turret clock still keeps the city on time.

Join us on Saturday 9 March for a day of fun and free activities for all ages, as we present our first open day since 2016. Here’s everything we have planned.

Organ recital
Organ recital

Grand Organ recital

Organist Titus Grenyer will perform an accessible and deeply musical tribute to Sydney Town Hall on the grand organ. The instrument was installed in 1890 and labelled the world’s finest concert organ when it was unveiled. It was once the largest organ in the world with nearly 9000 pipes and a unique 64 foot pedal.

No bookings required

Saturday 9 March from 10:30am to 11:30am

Celebrate Sydney Town Hall
Celebrate Sydney Town Hall

Tours

Learn more about the history of this significant Sydney icon and some of the many ways it has been used for the enjoyment of the people of Sydney.

Due to overwhelming interest we have made changes to the tour format to ensure greater participation and the best possible experience for patrons. You will now be able to explore the building with the help of our knowledgeable staff.

No bookings required

Drop in from 10:30am to 3:00pm

Art, craft and robots
Art, craft and robots

Art, craft and robots

Let the artistic spirit of the historic building ignite your imagination to create personalised greeting cards, 3D models, badges and more at this free drop-in event.

No bookings required

Saturday 9 March from 10am to 3:30pm

Storytelling workshop and performance
Storytelling workshop and performance

Comic storytelling workshop and performance

Delve into visual narrative as you create your own brief autobiographical comic story inspired by Sydney Town Hall followed by a laughter-filled performance in Centennial Hall.

Bookings essential

Workshop: 10:30am to 11:30am

Performance: 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Sydney Lady Mayoresses
Sydney Lady Mayoresses

Sydney’s lady mayoresses showcase

Learn about Lady Mayoresses with curator Margaret Betteridge, featuring items from the City’s Civic Collection associated with former mayoresses.

Bookings essential

Saturday 9 March from 11:15am to 11:45am

Sing along at Centennial Hall
Sing along at Centennial Hall

Sing-along

Step into the limelight and sing on the iconic stage at Centennial Hall. Whether you're a budding talent or simply love to sing for fun, celebrate your love for music in a spectacular venue steeped in history.

No bookings required

Saturday 9 March from 2:30pm to 4pm

Storytime
Storytime

Storytime sessions

Come and celebrate with a special storytime in the Treasury Room. Together, we’ll enjoy stories, rhymes and actions suitable for children 3 to 5 years along with their families, friends and carers. There’ll also be an Auslan-interpreted session suitable for deaf and hearing children.

Bookings essential

10:30am to 11am

11:30am to 12pm (Auslan)

Explore the full program of events.

Published 27 February 2024, updated 28 March 2024