Town Hall Square, Hanover - Human Rights Square

Human Rights Square: Hanover's Prestigious City Hall Square

Human Rights Square is located on the edge of downtown, right in front of the New City Hall. 

The square serves not only as the forecourt of an important building. With its open space, it forms a distinct urban space for gatherings, events, and public activities.

From a Jewelry Square to a Modern Architecture Square

The square originally looked quite different. At the beginning of the 20th century, a strictly symmetrical park was created here. Lawns, plantings, and large trees formed a stately, decorative square in front of City Hall.

Following the changes of the 20th century, the square finally took on its current form. During the major redesign in 2014 and 2015, the former green space was transformed into a modern architectural and event space.

The graphic design of the space is particularly striking when viewed from above. Lines and ornamental patterns stretch across the plaza, giving the expansive space a distinctive character.

Town Hall Square as an Event Venue

Human Rights Square is one of Hannover’s venues for large and prestigious events. Approximately 8,000 square meters are available for such events. When hosting events, the city makes a point of taking the square’s unique character into account.

The open space provides room for stages, the audience, and activity areas. At the same time, fountains, trees, stairs, and walls shape the possibilities for setting up structures. It is precisely this combination of urban architecture and event space that gives events in front of City Hall their special atmosphere.

enercity swinginghannover: Jazz in the Open Air

One of the best-known events is "enercity swinging hannover." This traditional open-air jazz festival transforms the square into a large concert venue on Ascension Day. Experience jazz against the backdrop of the city’s striking skyline and enjoy the special atmosphere as thousands of music fans gather in the square. The city of Hannover also counts these open-air concerts among the square’s recurring highlights.

Hannover Marathon: Sports Center in Front of City Hall

During the Hannover Marathon, the area around Rathausplatz becomes a gathering place for runners and spectators. The New City Hall and Platz der Menschenrechte serve as the event center, while the marathon’s start and finish lines are located on Friedrichswall. Throughout the marathon weekend, athletic activities and a family day at City Hall bring additional energy to the square.

The 2026 Finals: City Hall Square Becomes a Sports Arena

The 2026 Finals demonstrated particularly impressively just how versatile Rathausplatz can be. From July 23 to 26, the area around the New City Hall was transformed into an inner-city sports venue. On and around the square, the audience enjoyed 3x3 basketball, breaking, archery, and BMX flatland—top-level sports in a place where passersby usually just stroll through the square

Shooters' Parade: Traditional Kickoff at City Hall Square

One of Hanover’s most time-honored events is also closely tied to this square. During the Schützenausmarsch, marching bands and members of the shooting club gather in front of City Hall. After a joint musical opening, the grand parade sets off from here toward the Schützenplatz