The Fest Saal (Reception Hall) is the largest room of so called "New" Rathaus. The rathaus was built rigt next to the historic Old rathaus, which dates back to 1405. Between 1906 and 1913 arcitect Gabriel von Seidl successfully combined the old and the new, thus creating an ensamble of tasteful harmony and highly assessed artistic value.
The dark, shining oak on the walls, effectively contrasted by the coffered ceiling, lends the room a special note. The Art Nouveau chandelier contributes equally to the impressive character of the room. On the south side of the room a large panorama of Bremen is of particular interest.
The room is used for larger receptions (for example, of the Senat the New Year's Reception of the Senat), banquets, lectures and other special events. After the Second World War, the hall was temporarily assigned a special function; the State Parliament convened here until it finally was able to move into its own new building in 1965.