- For the 1996 film see City hall (film)
A city hall, or town hall is the headquarters of a city's (or town's) administration. The usual term in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand is "town hall"; London's City Hall is an exception. Both "town hall" and "city hall" are used in North America, depending on the size of municipality.
As important government buildings, many city halls are known for their distinctive architecture.
The expression "city hall" can be used by metonymy for municipal government or for government in general, as in "You can't fight city hall."
The expression "town hall" has more friendly connotations, often suggesting the town meeting form of government.
See also
Last updated: 05-14-2005 06:47:11