The new look Ballarat Civic hall opened for a few minutes this afternoon, ahead of a ribbon cutting tomorrow and the begonia Ball on Saturday.

Some areas you would hardly recognise.

The original 1956 pink, white and brown carpet has been reproduced. Wooden period furniture gifted to the City in 1954 has also been pulled out of storage for public use.

The main hall area is also believed to be the largest clerestorey meeting space in Western Victoria.

The acoustic treatments will reduce echo in the main hall.

It's also been fitted with double-glazed windows, which will guard against extreme temperatures and excess noise while the neighbouring GovHub is built.