The building itself was designed by the architects Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas. Its inauguration took place on the 1st of October 1931.
The Town Hall has meeting rooms for town council and executive committee members, offices for the mayor and his financial administrators, also for other departments in the town's administration.
On the town's 100 years jubilee in 1954 the family shipowner Knutsen donated table silver, dishware, glassware, table linen etc. to such an extent that celebrations dinner and other festive arrangements for a large number of persons can take place in Town Hall.
The Town Hall Square, located on the west side of the building, was donated by Mrs. Elisabeth Knutsen on the 6th of October 19647, along with donation covering the costs of decorations and ornaments for various rooms in the Town Hall.
It is self-evident that the Town Hall with such a background has been the epicentre of all the festive arrangements in the town's later history. Festivals with cobblestone dancing in the Town Hall Square along with torch parades and fireworks has concluded many a great day. The Town Hall has also several occasions had the honour of welcoming an entertaining the Royal Family.
The Town Hall and the adjoining area has been designated a protected area.