Altes Rathaus Hannover

A Building with History

The history of the Old Town Hall dates back to around 1230. The wing located on the market square is probably the oldest surviving secular building in Hanover. Weddings, trade, festivals and council meetings – the whole breadth of human life took place there. Throughout history, the building and its use have changed again and again.

Architecture that Shapes the Cityscape

The architect Conrad Wilhelm Hase is the founder of the Hanover School of Architecture. He is considered one of the most important representatives of the Neo-Gothic style. The Old Town Hall was restored in the 19th century according to his designs and is considered the southernmost showpiece of North German brick Gothic.

Historical street scene with half-timbered houses and people in traditional clothing

Tradition Meets Modernity – Use Today

Today, the Old Town Hall is primarily a contact point for bridal couples who exchange vows in the wedding room. The hall on the upper floor can be booked for events. Other tenants – from gastronomy to retail, ATMs of Sparkasse Hannover and administrations – cover a wide range of interests in a central location.

Bridal couple in wedding clothes leaves the Old Town Hall, bride wears a white lace dress, groom a gray suit with bow tie, both holding hands

Historical red brick building of the Old Town Hall with Gothic architecture and Market Church in the background

Outstanding architectural ensemble in the heart of Hanover’s old town: Old Town Hall and Market Church

Old Town Hall, viewed from the market. Lithograph by Kretschmer, c. 1850 © City of Hanover

View of Marktstraße, with the Market or Citizens’ Guardhouse on the left, and the Old Town Hall on the right. Painting by E. Meyer, 1881 © Historical Museum Hannover

“Court of shame” under the council arbour, watercolor pen drawing by Karl Hapke (1876–1955) © Historisches Museum Hannover

Market with Old Town Hall and main portal of the Market Church. Lithograph by Rudolf Wiegmann, 1834 © Historisches Museum Hannover

Erected in 1976: the sculpture III-101 (Diamond II) by the US-American artist Sanford Wurmfeld © Geoinformation Department

The Great Hall in the Old Town Hall, designed by Conrad Wilhelm Hase © Historical Museum Hannover

The Great Hall in January 1934, under construction

The Great Hall in January 1934 © Historical Museum Hanover

Interior view of the Ratskeller in September 1940 © City of Hanover

Music Stage at the Old Town Hall in August 1972 © HAZ-Hauschild-Archiv, Historical Museum Hanover

Inquiries and further information: assistenz@hrg-hannover.de

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