Come and see one of the country’s greatest examples of Victorian architecture as the grade I listed Town Hall will be open for tours as part of the Heritage Open Days on Sunday September 9.
From 10.30am until 4pm all of the staterooms, committee rooms and the City Council's chamber, will be open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to see the seat of local government.
From 10.30am there will be the opportunity to go on a Treasure Hunt. Blue Badge guided tours will also take place throughout the day (11.30am, 12 noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, and 3pm) which can be booked in advance on 0161 234 3550.
The guides are experts on the building and will offer factual and entertaining insights into the history and design of the most important civic complex outside London.
You will also have the opportunity to view the Civic Silver Collection. Coffee and tea will be served in The Lord Mayor's Parlour from 11am until 3pm and visitors will be able to hear the bells ringing from noon.
This year the clock tower will be open for tours at 11am and 1pm. So if you have a head for heights, be sure to wear sensible shoes and book in advance on 0161 234 3550.
Alfred Waterhouse, the architect who designed Manchester Town Hall, also designed The Natural History Museum in London. Costing nearly £1million to build in 1877, the Town Hall is triangular in shape and was constructed using 14 million bricks.
It is now a massive tourist draw, attracting 20,000 visitors each year. The city's history is depicted in the Great Hall on the murals painted by Ford Maddox Brown.
Outside the Great Hall is a tiled area known as the Bees. The Bee is the symbol of Manchester and represents the city's industrious spirit.
Councillor Bernard Priest, Executive Member for Finance and Human Resources, said: "Manchester Town Hall is a stunning piece of architecture and it is a joy to visit. It plays a big part in many people's lives and is the place where decisions are made. If you have never been to see the Town Hall then please take this opportunity to learn about this magnificent building and its part in history."
Margaret Blackburn, tel 0161 234 4014