Historic Inverness Town House will be shrouded in scaffolding for two years during the first phase of the multimillion-pound project.
But the council plans to camouflage the steelwork with a special “building wrap” which will depict a full-scale image of the civic landmark.
The method has been used in Europe when major landmarks are being renovated.
Laing Traditional Masonry (LTM) who previously worked on the Inverness Steeple project in 2012-13, will carry out the £1.2million first phase including stone repairs and replacement, mortar re-pointing, roof repairs, guttering and downpipes renewal, and window repairs and replacements.
City leader Councillor Ian Brown said: “These essential works will help to safeguard the future of the Town House for generations to come and will secure an Inverness Common Good Fund major asset. I am also delighted that Laing Traditional Masonry will be employing 3-4 apprentices on this project that will help to ensure that traditional skills are passed on to future generations.”
The project is being funded by the Inverness Common Good Fund and Historic Scotland.
Meanwhile it is understood that several council meetings will be held at the Town House because of the debating chamber at headquarters will be unavailable for two weeks when a new voting and audio system is being installed at the Glenuqruhart Road building.