Belfast City Hall Exhibition: Celebrating History & Culture

Fancy a free tour, then why not visit the Belfast City Hall Exhibition which is available to the public most days between 10am and 4pm.

This Exhibition which is located on the ground floor of the east wing of Belfast City Hall has 6 different themes to take you on a journey through Belfast past and present, they are:

The City, Growth and Governance
The City at Work and Play
City Speech and City Streets
The City Commemorates
The Reflection Space
The City Celebrates

The exhibition which opened in 2017 has 16 rooms of exhibits and should not be confused with a free guided tour of Belfast City Hall itself, which takes in the upper floors of the building and its many portraits.

On the corridors leading to the exhibitions visitors will see the many impressive stained glass windows around City Hall and note their craftsmanship and historical significance.

Whilst some of the stained glass windows were commissioned as part of the building's original design by architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas, some are more modern. Examples include:

The Famine Window, dedicated to those who suffered through the 'Potato Famine' was unveiled by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor Councillor David Alderdice on 23 March 1999

The Belfast's Womens Window was unveiled in the week of International Women's Day 2016 by the then Lord Mayor, Councillor Arder Carson on Thursday 3 March 2016

Other Stained Glass Windows at City Hall include:

World War I North Irish Horse window
World War II North Irish Horse window
Spanish Civil War window
The Celtic Myths and Legends window
The Belfast Dockers Strike window
The Pathways window
The Centenary window
The King's Tribute window
Sir Crawford McCullagh window
The Lunette window
Lady McCullagh window

Many of these windows can be viewed by the public but some may require you take the guided tour of the building.

The main purpose of both Belfast City Hall's stained glass windows and Exhibition is to unveil the story of Belfast, past and present, its journey and its people. It is a gateway for local residents and visitors to discover the hidden secrets and history of the city, from its industrial prowess and maritime heritage to its cultural and political evolution.

This Historical Archive delves into Belfast's storied past and features a treasure trove of historical archives, photographs, and artifacts that chronicle the city's evolution from its humble origins to its status as a thriving metropolis. Visitors can explore key moments in Belfast's history, from its industrial boom during the Victorian era to its role in the Titanic's ill-fated voyage.

The exhibition acts as a Cultural Showcase for the City highlighting the city's artistic achievements, literary legacy, and musical heritage. From the works of renowned poets and authors to the sounds of local musicians and performers, visitors can immerse themselves in Belfast's creative spirit and cultural contributions. Visitors will also be able to reflect on Belfast's political landscape, the city's turbulent history and focus on the city's transformation.

We hope you have enjoyed this album and these photos of the Belfast City Hall Exhibition, remember:

This is a great and informative tour and oh! did I mention - IT'S FREE!

ps. if you do go on the tour, why not share your photos and your stories with us?