Cardiff City Hall is not just famous in Cardiff City but also the whole of Europe because of its exceptional civic center. This historic building is renowned for its marvelous exteriors and breathtaking interiors.

Cardiff City is very well known for its historic and impressive buildings, landscaped gardens and broad roads with avenues of trees. Cardiff City Hall is a state-of-the-art building that represents all these together.

About Cardiff City Hall 

1. History

Inaugurated in 1906, after Cardiff received its Royal Charter as a city in 1905, this city hall is one of the most impressive civic buildings in the world.

As it is located at Cardiff’s civic center, many impressive buildings and attractions surround Cardiff City Hall.

It is Cardiff’s fifth town hall, which serves as a local government center. This city hall replaced the 1853-built fourth town hall, which was situated on St Mary’s Street in Cardiff.

Above all, the Cardiff Register Office is also inside Cardiff City Hall.

Interestingly, Cardiff City Hall is built with Portland stone in French and English Renaissance styles. Also, it was constructed with fully electricity-operated construction work, which was, indeed, the first of its kind in the world in the nineteenth century.

More importantly, Cardiff City Hall is a world-famous architectural work for its magnificent exterior and interior.

2. Exterior

2.1 Clock tower

This 194-foot-high clock tower is the most significant landmark for Cardiff.

Furthermore, the clock has one hour bell and four quarter bells, all made of pure copper-tin alloy.

2.2 Memorial Monuments

There are memorials on the right and left of the Cardiff city hall for the Second World War victims, as well as for saviors.

2.3 Pool and Fountains

Additionally, at the front entrance of the city hall, you can witness fountains and a huge rectangular pool. Indeed, they work as a cherry on the cake for the Cardiff city hall exterior look.

Above all, you can also soothe your eyes with its avenues and landscaped gardens.

3. Interior

Cardiff City Hall has seven major attractions inside it, including its elegant rooms.

If you are in awe just with the impressive exterior of this city hall, then get ready to get awe-struck by its interior.

3.1 Entrance Hall

First and foremost, Entrance Hall is the first hall from where you will start your memorable journey. The reception desk and visitors’ seating arrangements are there.

3.2 Marble Hall

From the Entrance Hall, you can go upstairs towards the Marble Hall. It is on the first floor of the city hall. 

Here, you can look at Sienna marble pillars and stained-glass windows.

Moreover, there is an extensive art collection over here. It can accommodate 500–600 guests at a time.

3.3 Ferrier Hall

Cardiff had a Lord Mayor named George Llewellyn Ferrier. So, it is named after him.

Furthermore, Ferrier Hall is a stand-alone venue due to separate access and a kitchen.

3.4 Assembly Room

It is the largest room. Thus, it can accommodate 500–600 guests at a time.

Most importantly, you can reach here through the Marble Hall. Moreover, its main attraction is its state-of-the-art ceiling.

It also has other magnificent interiors, like giant bronze chandeliers and murals.

3.5 Council Chamber

Formerly, it was the debating chamber of the Cardiff council, where many passionate debates occurred for many decades.

Council Chamber can accommodate 100–150 guests at a time with seating arrangements.

You will surely be mesmerized by its pillars made of marble and panels carved from oak wood. Apart from that, it also has stained-glass windows.

3.6 Lower Hall

The next one is Lower Hall. As the name suggests, it is on the ground floor. You can directly access this room from the Entrance Hall.

Most importantly, it has many elegant pillars, yet there is a lot of space for gatherings. Lower Hall can accommodate 200–400 people at a time, depending on the occasion.

3.7 Syndicate Rooms

There are 15 Syndicate Rooms inside the city hall. All vary in size and so can be used as per requirement.

Most importantly, they all have networked computer systems and telephone lines. So, these rooms are idle as meeting rooms and press conferences.

4. Art Collection and Events

Gladly, it also has an extensive art collection inside. Have a look –

Apart from exploring it as a visitor, you can also consider it a venue for various events. For example, you can book it for intimate functions and business meetups.

Moreover, you can also arrange exhibitions and fun sessions.

They also have an excellent catering service. Explore their in-house delicacies here.

5. Location 

City Hall, Cathays Park, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3ND.

You can reach here by regular bus or train or by your vehicle. Most importantly, parking is unavailable at Cardiff City Hall, but you can use nearby paid parking like Castle Mews or Alexandra Gardens.

6. Visiting Hours

Tourists and visitors can visit the city hall Monday to Friday between 8 am to 6 pm. But it would help if you remained in touch with the official site.

Also, contact them before your visit, as you may feel restrictions to some rooms due to bookings for the functions and meetings.

7. Accessibility

Except for the Council chamber, which has limited access, all other areas of Cardiff city hall have wheelchair access.

There is a wheelchair lift through which you can go to the ground floor and the first floor. Indeed, the city hall has turned off parking and toilet facilities.

Conclusion

In brief, Cardiff City Hall is the famous city hall and civic center in Cardiff and Europe. The Cardiff City Hall is located at the heart of the city, surrounded by many impressive buildings.

Cardiff City is well known for its impressive buildings, landscaped gardens and broad avenues of trees. Cardiff City Hall represents all of them in one place.

Indeed, the city hall has historical yet exceptional exteriors and interiors, and more importantly, it is open to all. Moreover, you can explore and live your day by booking it for different occasions.

So, plan your visit to this famous city hall in Cardiff or book it for your memorable day or an important event. And don’t forget to capture your memories with this marvelous historical structure.

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Apeksha Soni