Opposite Liverpool Lime Street station, St George’s Hall is a Grade I listed neoclassical landmark opened in 1854. Its broad steps, Corinthian columns and statues make an impressive first view, while inside, the Great Hall, Concert Room and former courtrooms show how the building has served the city. You can look around, join a guided tour or plan a visit around a concert or exhibition. Check the programme before you go, as access and events can vary.
A public hall and courthouse
St George’s Hall was built for public meetings, concerts and dinners, as well as court proceedings. A design competition for a public hall was held in 1839 and won by the young architect Harvey Lonsdale Elmes. He later won a separate competition for the law courts. The building opened in 1854, bringing the two purposes together under one roof.
Its scale and position opposite Lime Street station make it one of the first landmarks many visitors see on arriving in Liverpool. The façade’s Corinthian columns and statues establish the neoclassical style before you enter. St George’s Hall remains a venue for concerts, ceremonies and other events, so its rooms continue to be used for public life as well as heritage visits.
The Great Hall and Concert Room
Inside, the Great Hall is known for its high vaulted ceiling, stained glass and decorated Minton floor. The floor is exposed to view for a limited period each year to help protect it, so check current visitor information if seeing it is important to your visit. The hall’s columns, organ and scale give the room a distinct character from the broad stone entrance outside.
The Concert Room has a different feel, with baroque design and acoustics suited to chamber music. It hosts performances and cultural events, including concerts in the Liverpool Philharmonic Chamber Music Series. Access to rooms can depend on the day’s programme, so an event ticket or tour may shape what you can see.
Courts, cells and guided visits
St George’s Hall once housed the Civil and Crown courts. Courtrooms and former prison cells are among the spaces covered on guided visits, offering a closer look at the building’s legal history. The History Whisperer is an immersive experience that tells the hall’s story; special events can also combine music and technology.
The hall has also been used as a filming location, including for Peaky Blinders and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. If you are visiting for the architecture, start outside and take in the front columns and statues before checking which interiors are open. If you want a fuller account of the building, look for a tour or experience rather than relying on a quick walk through.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is St George’s Hall?
It is on St George’s Place in central Liverpool, directly opposite Lime Street station.
When did St George’s Hall open?
The hall opened in 1854. Its design competition for a public hall was held in 1839.
What can you see inside St George’s Hall?
The building includes the Great Hall, Concert Room and former courtrooms. Guided visits can also cover former prison cells; which spaces you can access depends on the programme.
Can you attend events at St George’s Hall?
Yes. The hall hosts concerts, ceremonies and other cultural events. Check the current programme for details.
