Return of Belfast City Hall and Ulster Museum

The wait is finally over, Belfast City Hall and the Ulster Museum, two of the city's most iconic buildings, open their doors to the public again this October following extensive refurbishments. With plenty going on at both venues to celebrate the occasion, why not head along and get involved?

Belfast City Hall

Dominating the city centre, City Hall is a veritable Belfast institution.  The magnificent Edwardian 'wedding cake' was completed in 1906, built to reflect Belfast's new-found city status, granted by Queen Victoria in 1888 in recognition of its rapid development as an industrial and commerical centre. 

Today, its grounds are a favourite of city centre workers, students and tourists alike, ideal for taking a break from the bustling city.  The grounds also house the popular Belfast Wheel, which offers excellent views over the city.  Having shut its doors in 2007 for a major, £11m renovation, the building was officially reopened on 12th October 2009 by visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

To celebrate the reopening, there will be a fortnight of special activities including film, theatre, music, exhibitions, cultural events and a range of themed city centre tours.  The building itself is once again open for public and private group tours, which explore the history of the landmark building and its finest features. 

Ulster Museum

Also eagerly anticipated is the reopening of one of one of Northern Ireland's best loved attractions, the Ulster Museum on 22nd October.   Closed to the public since 2006, the museum has been completely rejuvenated at a cost of over £17m, representing one of the most important cultural projects ever undertaken here. 

New addtions include a 23-metre high atrium area with glass and steel walkways leading into the captivating galleries, a stunning four-level high display tower called 'Window on our World' which features some of the museum's most iconic objects, and new interactive learning zones in history, art and science.  There is also a brand new restaurant overlooking the city's Botanic Gardens.  The reopening will also see the return of some old favourites, including 7th century BC Egyptian mummy, Takabuti (above).

The museum is similarly marking its reopening with a range of special events and exhibitions.  These include a lecture by Belfast artist John Kindness (creator of the city's much loved 'Big Fish' sculpture), an exhibition of paintings from a local cross-community women's group, plus some interactive Halloween storytime sessions to entertain the children.

With plenty to see, do and explore at both buildings, this is the perfect opportunity to experience some of Belfast's finest cultural landmarks.