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History

Concert Hall

Inspired by the Corn Exchange in Paris and originally covered with a huge segmented glass dome, this remarkable building was designed as the Prince Regent's riding stables and was finally completed in 1805. Part of the famous Royal Pavilion Estate, it was later converted into a Concert Hall in 1866 and became the most fashionable and culturally significant venue in the south. It was restored again in 1935 with a resplendent art-deco interior, and showcased some of the world's biggest names in entertainment, including Paul Robeson and Richard Tauber in its 1930s opening season. Now following it's grand re-launch in 2002 the biggest names are back at the Dome crossing all art forms from to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Lou Reed.

The Dome closed for renovation in 1999 and was then officially re-opened three years and £22m later in 2002 by Princess Anne, with improved sight lines, a seating capacity of 1800 and with the stalls removable for extended performance space. The acoustic has been upgraded to work for both concert performances and amplified sounds, with panels at the rear of the circle able to swivel to give either absorbative or hard surfaces as required. There is dressing room accomodation for up to 120 performers.

The venue memorably hosted Abba's victory in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with 'Waterloo' and other acts who have performed range from Richard Tauber, Paul Robeson and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones.

The Concert Hall's recent multi-million pound rebuilding and refurbishment project has restored the venue to its former glory, maintaining the integrity of both the Grade 1 listed Regency exterior and the 1930s Grade 1 listed interior. Superb new front-of-house facilities, comfortable seating and enhanced acoustics have transformed the Concert Hall into a major centre for live arts and business for the 21st century.

The Corn Exchange

The Corn Exchange was built at the same time as the Dome Concert Hall and was originally the Prince Regent's riding house. Little alteration took place with the exception of lighting being added and the gravel floor replaced with wood in 1867. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Corn Exchange was used as an archaeological and geological museum. It is now a unique and versatile venue with a magnificent single span of arched ceiling and a sprung maple floor. It was lovingly restored as part of the recent Brighton Dome refurbishment project.

Providing the Domes most flexible and versatile space, The Corn Exchange can accommodate up to 600 people for seated banqueting and has the facility for a 320-seat theatre with staging to be created, ideal for corporate functions, gala dinners, exhibitions and many more events. Alternatively the stage can be re-positioned to create a 1,200 capacity standing event. These potential configurations make this an almost unique space within an Arts Centre in the UK.

Pavilion Theatre

Built in 1935, the Pavilion Theatre was first used as a supper room and became a theatre soon afterwards. As well as hosting comedy, dance, theatre and musicals, the Pavilion Theatre is a thriving live music venue proving increasingly popular with both musicians and audiences. It is also the home of several youth and community-based groups such as Brighton Dome's own dance and drama groups and the Short Circuit circus school. With its own PA and lighting 'built in' it is a very versatile venue for standing or seated events providing a more intimate seminar space and private hire space than the Concert Hall.