Portsmouth Guildhall

Portsmouth Guildhall is steeped in tradition and history, yet welcoming and flexible to the demands of the biggest event teams, theatrical producers, concert promoters, conference organisers and associations in the UK. Portsmouth is a premier waterfront destination combining sea views, great shopping, eating and drinking together with stunning attractions and centuries of history, all on the water's edge.

The venue originally opened towards the end of the 19th century in 1890 as the Town Hall. However, on 21st April 1926 it was announced that Portsmouth was being raised to the dignity of a City and the town hall was renamed The Guildhall.

Two years later, the King gave the title of Lord Mayor to the Chief Magistrate of the new city. During the Second World War, on 10th January 1941, a major enemy air attack on Portsmouth resulted in the Guildhall being hit by incendiary bombs and flames soon spread throughout the length and breadth of the building. Having been reduced to a shell with just three external walls standing, the building was rebuilt and subsequently reopened by Her Majesty the Queen on 8 June 1959.

The Star Chamber on the first floor has the theme "Heaven's Light Our Guide". A huge mural, made of glass and mirrors, covers the north wall and depicts many historical scenes of Portsmouth’s past. In the crystal constellations, the 12 signs of the Zodiac and stars in their exact constellations can be seen.