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Created by Anthonis van Obberghen, the Old Market Town Hall was erected in late 16th century in the Dutch Mannerist style. Built for the Old Town authorities, the building was a centre of the political, economic, scientific and social life of this part of Gdansk for many centuries. It was there that city debates were held, that the Grand Hall hosted official ceremonies, while balls and parties were organised there in the evenings. A famous Gdansk-based scholar and astronomer Johannes Hevelius resided in the Old Market Town Hall as an assessor and the first councillor, storing his home-made beer in the town hall cellars. With its landmark silhouette, the town hall is a major urban highlight of the Old Town. Regardless of many reconstructions, the town hall envelope has remained unchanged until now. Multiple modifications of its interior have enriched the building with exceptional objects. The first floor features an elegant hallway and an imposing Grand Hall, now known as the Bourgeoisie Hall, with an original wooden ceiling.
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