The square, officially named "Rathausplatz" (Town Hall Square) since 1890, naturally takes its name from the town hall, which dates back to the 16th century and is renowned for its Meissen porcelain carillon. Until the 19th century, the entire area from the Traun Gate to the Christoph Gate (today the City Theater/Theatergasse) was known by various names, including "Unterer Markt" (Lower Market) and "Seeplatz" (Lake Square). The term "Stadtplatz" (Town Square) is still widely used today. During Gmunden's heyday as a salt-producing center, it was called "Salzlände" (Salt Landing Place) because it served as the landing point for salt ships.The square, once a major transshipment point for salt, grain, and lime, is now primarily known for Gmunden's regionally and internationally renowned markets , most notably the annual pottery market and the weekly Tuesday market.Since summer 2025, the permanent installation "La Communication" has been another highlight in the center of the town hall square. Against the impressive backdrop of Traunstein, Grünberg, Lake Traunsee and the venerable town hall, the over four-meter-high sculpture rises, standing in silent dialogue with its counterpart above the fountain in the town hall square, facing towards the K-Hof Museum .