Victoria Public Hall – Chennai

This town hall is a historical momentum of Chennai. It is one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

It was located on EVR Periyar Salai near Moore market and between Ripon Building and Chennai central railway station.

It was constructed with red brick and painted with lime mortar. It is the rectangular building has an Italianate tower capped by Travancore style roof. It has been a venue of important public and social events.

Eminent personalities including Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, Gokul Krishna Gokhale, Subramania Bharathi, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel have addressed meetings in the hall. Many famous artists staged their play in this hall.

The first cinema show in Chennai held in this hall. In later years, it has been a site for sale of literature. Lilypond behind was the scene of much beauty.

This is the heritage building escaped from demolition for metro rail project now houses the South Indian Athletic Association Club. It is a must visit place for architecture admirers.

Image Attribution : Sudhamshu