Hackney Town Hall is one of London’s finest examples of civic art deco architecture.
Designed by Lanchester & Lodge and opened in 1937, today the Grade II Listed building is still a focus of community life in Hackney.
After 80 years of intensive use, the building was restored over a period of 12 years and completed in 2017. The conservation project retained the original art deco features of the building, while creating new spaces for events, weddings and ceremonies - including two new covered courtyards.
Inside the building you'll be guided through the Council Chamber, Committee Rooms, Assembly Hall, Speakers Parlour and a permanent exhibition located deep in the basement vaults.
The exhibition spans three vaults that focus on the history of the building itself, its representation as the symbolic centre of civic pride and its function as a home of local democracy.
Items that were found during the restoration are included in the display along with the robes and chains worn by the Mayors of Shoreditch and Stoke Newington - areas which only became part of the London Borough of Hackney in 1965.
The final part of the exhibition is dedicated to the work of the Council and the ways in which residents are able to influence its policies. Designed to be used by schools, students will be able to learn more about voting in local elections and other ways in which their voices can be heard, such as campaigning or signing petitions.
During the tour you'll also visit and learn about the significance of the new 'Warm Shores' sculptures by Thomas J Price in the Town Hall Square and Veronica Ryan OBE's 'Custard Apple (Annonaceae), Breadfruit (Moraceae) and Soursop (Annonaceae)' sculptures a short walk away in the Narrow Way.
The tour lasts an hour and a half and takes place once a month. It is suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible. You must book a place to attend this tour.