The Auckland Town Hall was originally opened in 1911 by Baron Islington, New Zealand's Governor General at the time. Top architects from around the world were invited to submit designs and the design by Melbourne architects JJ & EJ Clarke was chosen; this was in the Italian renaissance revival style.

The Auckland Town Hall was refurbished and restored to its former glory in 1997. The acoustics of the Great Hall and Concert Chamber are considered some of the finest in the world and the Auckland Town Hall is the home of fine music performance in Auckland.

The venue comprises two performance spaces. The 1,673-seat Great Hall is the home of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia; the 497-seat Concert Chamber is perfect for chamber music and recitals.

The building also contains a number of meeting rooms, including the Council Chamber for the City of Auckland. In recognition of its important civic role the building is open to the public every weekday between 9.00am and 5.00pm.