St George's Hall was reopened on April 23rd 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales, after the completion of a £23m restoration. The Hall has been carefully restored to its original glory and a new Heritage Centre has been created to provide visitors with a dynamic and exciting introduction to St George’s Hall and its place in Liverpool’s history.
Key features of the Heritage Centre include:
• The original south entrance hall on St Johns Lane, designed by Harvey Longsdale Elmes, but never before used by the public;
• Opportunities to visit the cells used by prisoners awaiting trial;
• The newly refurbished Criminal Court and Judge’s Robing Room;
• Glimpses of the unique ventilation system designed by Dr David Boswell Reid;
• A Learning Suite for school parties;
• A Community Room entitled ‘World Heritage-Your Heritage’ where local groups can display exhibitions;
• A new accessible viewing gallery for the Great Hall;
• The Minton Tea Room
Throughout the Heritage Centre, imaginative exhibitions, reconstructions and hands-on activities vividly bring the story of St George’s Hall alive. Visitors can follow in the steps of the unfortunate prisoners, from prison cell to the dock. Inter-active hand-held units, provide a range of themed tours (available summer 2007)
Guided tours will start Autumn 2007