Concert hall · Union Street
The Music Hall
A Georgian granite landmark on Union Street whose great hall has hosted concerts for well over a century and a half.
- Location
- Union Street, towards the western end of the main shopping street
- Area
- City centre / West End edge
- Event style
- Orchestral and choral concerts, folk and traditional music, contemporary gigs, comedy, ceilidhs and festival events
- Where to base yourself
- City centre or the West End
What kind of place is it?
The Music Hall is Aberdeen's principal concert hall. Its main auditorium suits orchestral and choral concerts, while the programme also takes in folk and traditional music, singer-songwriters, comedy, talks and dances. Smaller rooms in the building host more intimate events and workshops. If the Music Hall is on your list, look at its listings while planning your dates — a concert here is one of the easiest ways to spend an evening in the centre.
A short history
The building began as the Assembly Rooms, designed by the Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson and opened in the early 1820s. Its giant columned portico remains one of the defining sights of Union Street. The great hall behind it was added in the late 1850s, turning the complex into a music venue that has been in use ever since. A substantial refurbishment was completed in 2018, improving access and the public spaces while keeping the historic halls.
Visitor information
- Getting there: it is on Union Street itself, so most central stays are within a short walk, and the rail and bus stations are around ten to fifteen minutes away on foot.
- Booking: use the venue's official box office; popular concerts and festival nights can sell out.
- Accessibility: the refurbished building includes lift access; ask the venue about seating needs when booking.
- Nearby: the West End's granite terraces start just beyond, with plenty of places to eat before a show.
How it fits your trip
Because it sits on the main street, the Music Hall slots easily into a day spent on foot. Pair it with a daytime walk around the Castlegate and Marischal College, or a morning at the Maritime Museum, and you have covered much of the historic centre without needing transport.