St George's Hall

Who we are

St George’s Hall is a unique building in the centre of Liverpool. Designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes and described as the “the best example of a neo- classical building in the country”, it represents the zenith of Liverpool’s prosperity. Completed in 1854, it is known for its ambitious design and engineering, including the first scientifically designed air conditioning system, the largest barrel vaulted ceiling in the country and the third largest ‘Willis’ organ. Originally built to house music festivals and law courts, the hall exerts a commanding presence at the heart of the city. Schools can undertake self led tours around the building to view the cell areas where prisoners waited before they were taken up to the court rooms, the newly refurbished court where 135 prisoners were sentenced to death and the Judges Robing room. Customised tours with the Liverpool City Historian bring the hall to life and explain how the Hall was used during the Victorian era up to the twentieth century, looking at themes such as social justice and crime and punishment. An additional offer for 2014 will include artefacts and interpretation for a Merseyside Police Museum. The venue has an educational suite and a range of inspirational resources ( available online)which can be adapted for all key stages, covering a range of curriculum areas including Art and Design, ICT, and Literacy as well as a range of mystery trails and quizzes in a number of foreign languages.