Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is a major public building in Belfast City Centre. Situated in Donegall Square, it houses the offices of the Belfast City Council.

History
Plans for the construction of a City Hall began in 1898 when Queen Victoria awarded Belfast city status. Negotiations to acquire the Donegall Square site, then occupied by the White Linen Hall, began in 1896, and the linen hall was demolished in the same year. A Public Architectural Competition was held, and the design of Mr Brumwell Thomas was accepted. Work began in 1898 and the building was completed in 1906.

Style
Constructed from Portland stone, the building is in a Neo-Classical style with four sides pointing North, East, West and South. The building's main façade faces North along Donegall Place. The main dome is 53 metres (173 feet) high and made from italian marble. . Four sets of two Ionic pillars support the triglyph. Marking the main entrance to the building is a Porte-Cochère.