The Great Hall at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is the university’s largest and most significant venue, renowned for its striking design and versatile functionality. Located in the Tower Building along Broadway in Sydney’s CBD, the Great Hall serves as the heart of UTS’s campus life, hosting key events such as graduations, examinations, orientations, conferences, exhibitions, and more.
A Cathedral-Like Atmosphere
Designed to evoke the warmth and grandeur of a cathedral, the Great Hall offers a dramatic and inviting space with a flat floor plan that adapts to a wide range of event formats. Its architectural transformation, led by Sydney firm DRAW, has turned what was once a muted space into a vibrant ceremonial hub. The interior is enveloped by “The Mantle”, a fluid, perforated aluminum skin made up of over 1,000 unique facets that integrate advanced lighting, audiovisual, and climate control systems. This design element radically enhances the ambiance, creating a lofty, processional atmosphere reminiscent of Gothic cathedrals.
Natural light floods the hall through newly installed roof lanterns, while a massive LED media wall (measuring 17 by 5 meters) acts as a contemporary stained-glass window, animating the space with dynamic light and color.
Flexible and Functional Venue
The Great Hall’s flat floor and generous size make it ideal for a variety of events beyond university ceremonies. It accommodates conferences, round tables, dinners, cocktail functions, and exhibitions. Adjacent to the hall is the Balcony Room, a double-height, open space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Alumni Green. This room serves as a perfect breakout area, catering space, or exhibition zone, complementing the main hall’s activities.
Outside the Great Hall and Balcony Room, a spacious foyer provides ample room for registrations, catering setups, and trade stands, enhancing the venue’s practicality for large-scale events.
A Symbolic and Functional Campus Heart
The Great Hall is more than just an event space; it is a symbolic centrepiece of the UTS campus. Positioned within the Brutalist Tower Building, the hall’s recent refurbishment has transformed it into a warm, technologically advanced gathering place that reflects the university’s values of innovation, creativity, and community.
The Balcony Room also plays a crucial role in formalizing the arrival experience for guests, offering a grand reception area with commanding views of the campus and Alumni Green below.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 11 Broadway, Ultimo NSW 2007, the Great Hall benefits from its central Sydney location, with easy access to public transport and nearby amenities. This makes it a sought-after venue not only for university events but also for external conferences and functions.
UTS’s Great Hall is a spectacular and adaptable venue blending architectural innovation with functional design. Its cathedral-like ambiance, cutting-edge technology, and prime location make it ideal for a wide range of events—from solemn graduations to dynamic conferences. Whether you’re attending a ceremony or hosting a professional event, the Great Hall offers a memorable and inspiring setting at the heart of Sydney’s vibrant university campus.