Belfast City Hall Visitor Exhibition
Self-guided exhibition in 16 rooms of Belfast City Hall on the city’s history, industry, commemoration and famous people.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Visitor Exhibition opened in 2017 in the ground-floor east wing of Belfast City Hall, in rooms of the original building from the 1890s. It is a permanent, self-guided exhibition run by Belfast City Council and is spread over 16 rooms in six themed zones.
The exhibition follows the growth of the city from its foundation in 1613 and its governance, including royal charters, portraits of Lord Mayors and objects linked to the Freedom of the City. Further sections cover Belfast’s industry, including the Titanic, as well as its music venues and theatres, the Belfast dialect, an 1897 street directory and children’s street games.
The commemoration rooms deal with religious and political divisions and include the 1912 Covenant table and objects from the Somme and the 1941 Blitz. A reflection space archives citizens’ experiences of the Troubles, and a final section presents notable people born in Belfast. An augmented reality experience in rooms seven to nine is shown until 31 March 2027.
Highlights
- Sixteen rooms in the original 1890s City Hall
- Covenant table of 1912 and objects from the Somme and Blitz
- Section on Belfast industry and the Titanic
- Reflection space with citizens’ memories of the Troubles
- Augmented reality experience until 31 March 2027
Permanent exhibition
- City Hall Visitor Exhibition – Permanent self-guided exhibition in 16 rooms on Belfast’s history, industry, city speech, commemoration, reflection and notable people.
- Founded
- 2017
- Operated by
- Belfast City Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Under-18s enter free but need a ticket. |
Tickets for adults (18 and over) are sold at City Hall reception on the day; only contactless and card payments are accepted. Groups must book by email at least seven days ahead and pay on the day.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The exhibition is fully accessible on the ground floor, and the building has automatic front doors, a mobility lift and lifts to the upper floors. Induction loops are at the exhibition and tour reception, the cafe and the gift shop. Sign language videos in British, Irish and International Sign give an overview of each room. One mobility scooter and two wheelchairs can be borrowed, and a Changing Places facility is in reception. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed. Disabled bays in the courtyard are for event attendees only.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
Under-18s enter free. A parent room is on the ground floor.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Great Victoria Street station
Lanyon Place and Great Victoria Street railway stations are within walking distance, and Translink buses serve the city centre.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
City Hall has no public parking; other city car parks are listed on the council website.
George Best Belfast City Airport is a 10 to 15-minute drive away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Bobbin Coffee Shop is open Monday to Friday 09:30 to 16:30 and at weekends 10:00 to 16:30. The gift shop is in the main reception.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The exhibition is self-guided. Separate guided tours of City Hall are available. Audio headsets are offered for an extra charge. |
