A grand portico welcomes you. This is the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh. Right here on George Street stands a building brimming with history.
The Assembly Rooms opened in 1787. It wasn’t just any building. This was the place to be. The wealthy and influential gathered for balls and celebrations. The Caledonian Hunt Ball was the very first event. It marked the beginning of a vibrant social scene.
Public subscription funded the construction. It cost over £6000. That was a significant sum back then. The city council donated the prime location in the New Town. The architect was John Henderson. He won a competition for the design in 1781. His design was revised three times before construction began in 1783. Sadly Henderson passed away before its completion.
The Assembly Rooms have evolved over the years. In 1818 a grand portico was added. Architect William Burn designed this. Twenty-two years after the initial opening the portico made a statement. In 1843 Burn and his partner David Bryce designed the Music Hall. Later in 1907 Robert Rowand Anderson and Balfour Paul added new side wings. A new Supper Room was included. The kitchen was moved to the eastern wing.
The Assembly Rooms have seen royalty. King George IV visited in 1822. A Peers Ball was held in his honour. The building continued to host lavish events. It’s seen countless celebrations.
In 1945 the Assembly Rooms were sold to the Edinburgh Corporation. They became the responsibility of Edinburgh City Council in 1973. This is where they remain today.
A major refurbishment project took place in 2011. It cost £9.3 million. Modernisation blended seamlessly with the building’s original character. The Heritage Lottery Fund contributed to the project. So did Historic Scotland the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland. LDN Architects managed the renovation. Balfour Beatty managed the construction.
Today the Assembly Rooms are a versatile venue. They host conferences dinners performances exhibitions and weddings. The Ballroom and Music Hall are the main spaces. Nine smaller drawing rooms are available. Crystal chandeliers gold leaf and gilt mirrors add elegance. Modern technology ensures smooth operations.
Every year the Assembly Rooms are a venue for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Assembly Festival initially operated the building. The name itself comes from the Assembly Rooms. This company operated from other spaces too. This includes the Assembly Hall an 840-seat theatre. The theatre used to house the Scottish Parliament.
The Assembly Rooms have had a colourful past. They continue to be a significant venue in Edinburgh. A place for events for centuries to come.