Assembly Rooms (Edinburgh)

• Theatre ID
  3672
• Built / Converted
  1787
• Dates of use
  • 1787: as 'a place of entertainment'.
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  dark (music, conferencing and live events, currently closed for restoration)
• Address
  54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR, Scotland
• Website
  • Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh

Details

A fine classical building and a landmark in George Street, within the UNESCO 'New Town' World Heritage Site. Designed by John and David Henderson, the Assembly Rooms was built in the 1780s as a place of entertainment for the wealthy residents of New Town. It opened in 1787 with the Caledonian Hunt Ball, and has been used since for many royal banquets and events. The Edinburgh Music Festival was first held in the Ballroom in 1815. The Music Hall was added at the rear of the building in 1843, designed by William Burn and David Bryce. Various additions and alterations have been made over time. A constant feature venue for the Edinburgh Festival, the Assembly Rooms is undergoing a major restoration project due to complete in summer 2012. The building will be returned to its blueprint, with retail spaces and a restaurant on the ground floor, and four public rooms above.

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• Events
  • 1787 Design/Construction: Assembly Rooms built, opening with the Caledonian Hunt Ball.
    • John Henderson - Architect
  • 1787 Use: as 'a place of entertainment'.
  • 1796 Alteration: additions within the Ballroom.
    • J Baxter - Interior design
  • 1798 Alteration: redecoration - 'in a very elegant style'.
  • 1805 Alteration: Assembly Rooms redecorated again.
  • 1818 Alteration: portico added.
    • William Burn - Architect
  • 1833 Alteration: gaslights fitted.
  • 1843 Alteration: the Music Hall added to rear of the building.
    • William Burn & David Bryce - Architect
  • 1865 Alteration: Ballroom extended into the portico.
    • Bryce - Architect
  • 1896 Alteration: electric lighting introduced.
  • 1907 Alteration: wings and corresponding East and West Drawing Rooms added, plus Supper Room and other alterations.
    • R Rowand Anderson & A J Balfour Paul - Architect
  • 1922 Alteration: extensive alterations to the Music Hall.
  • 1945 Owner/Management: Edinburgh Corporation, owners
  • 1950 Alteration: various alterations, including restoration of Ballroom, West Drawing room and entrance foyer.
• Capacities
  • Current: 750; Music Hall (theatre style)
  • Current: 400; Ballroom (theatre style)
• Listings
  • Grade A