The Great Hall

The Great Hall was completed in 1859 and is regarded as the finest example of the Gothic style in Australia. It is modelled on Westminster Hall in London. Many people thought Edmund Blacket's architectural plans were too ambitious, given that at the time there were only three professors and twenty four students, but as the then Vice Chancellor Francis Merewether said, "We must build, not for today, or for tomorrow, but for futurity".

In 1860, a Royal Charter was granted to the University, giving its degrees equal status with those of the ancient English universities. The Oxford and Cambridge windows at the west and east ends of the Hall display the Coats of Arms of the colleges and portraits of their Founders. In 1857 the Hall was used for a University ceremony for the first time. Two years later, in 1859 the Colony's first music festival was held in the Hall, with massed choirs singing the Messiah and other works.

This iconic building now hosts a plethora of events including concert recitals, formal dinners, conferences and wedding receptions.

The University Venues Office are committed to providing a service to ensure your event is on course to run successfully in accordance with University policies. For general information regarding hosting functions in The Great Hall, please download this fact sheet: The Great Hall fact sheet.pdf (81 kb)