Are you an organiser looking for a special venue for your next event?
Look no further as Exhibition News peeks into the past by reviewing 10 exhibition spaces steeped in history that echo with charm and elegance.
- Alexandra Palace, London
History: Built in 1873, Alexandra Palace, often referred to as “Ally Pally,” was originally designed as a public entertainment venue and later became a landmark in British broadcasting history. It hosted the first public television transmissions by the BBC in 1936.
Current Use: Today, it serves as a multifunctional venue for exhibitions, concerts, and conferences, with stunning views over London.
Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com
Capacities:
Main Hall (Great Hall): Up to 10,250 (concerts and large exhibitions)
West Hall: Up to 1,500
Panorama Room: Up to 800
Palm Court: Up to 1,000 (reception)
- The Royal Armouries, Leeds
History: This museum and exhibition space traces its roots back to the Tower of London, where the national collection of arms and armour was originally stored. The modern venue in Leeds opened in 1996, but it draws on centuries of history, showcasing one of the oldest collections in the world.
Current Use: It provides unique spaces for events, including the War Gallery, which offers a dramatic backdrop for exhibitions and functions.
Website: https://royalarmouries.org
Capacities:
New Dock Hall: Up to 1,500 (theatre-style) or 1,200 (banquet-style)
Royal Armouries Hall: Up to 500 (theatre-style)
Various smaller rooms: 100-300
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
History: Perched on Castle Rock, this iconic structure has stood since at least the 12th century, with its origins tracing back even further. It has been a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scotland’s history.
Current Use: The venue offers special event spaces, including the Great Hall and Queen Anne Room, making it a popular choice for historical exhibitions and high-profile gatherings.
Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot
Capacities:
Great Hall: Up to 200 (banquet-style)
Queen Anne Room: Up to 120 (banquet-style)
Jacobite Room: Up to 150 (reception)
- The Crystal, London
History: Although modern in its design, The Crystal sits in London’s Royal Docks, an area rich in industrial history. The building itself is a symbol of sustainable innovation, nodding to the area’s past while focusing on the future.
Current Use: It serves as a venue for exhibitions, meetings, and conferences, with a focus on urban sustainability, bridging the past and future of London’s industrial landscape.
Website: https://www.thecrystal.org
Capacities:
Auditorium: Up to 270 (theatre-style)
Meeting Rooms: Various options for up to 60 attendees each
Gallery Spaces: Suitable for exhibitions and smaller gatherings
- Museum of London Docklands, London
History: Located in a 19th-century warehouse on the Isle of Dogs, this venue traces the history of London’s river, port, and people. The building itself is a preserved reminder of the city’s maritime trade history.
Current Use: It offers several event spaces, including rooms with exposed brickwork and original wooden beams, making it a distinctive choice for exhibitions with a historical flair.
Website: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands
Capacities:
Wilberforce Room: Up to 273 (theatre-style)
Rum Store: Up to 200 (reception)
Riverside Room: Up to 80 (banquet-style)
- Victoria Baths, Manchester
History: Opened in 1906, Victoria Baths was once described as “Manchester’s water palace.” It operated as a public swimming pool and Turkish baths until the 1990s and has since been partially restored to reflect its former glory.
Current Use: The stunning stained-glass windows and terracotta tiles provide a nostalgic and beautiful setting for exhibitions, art installations, and cultural events.
Website: https://www.victoriabaths.org.uk
Capacities:
Gala Pool: Up to 700 (reception)
Turkish Rest Room: Up to 60 (banquet-style)
Females Pool: Up to 300 (reception)
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
History: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Built between 1705 and 1722, it is rich with stories from British political history and royal connections.
Current Use: Blenheim Palace hosts a variety of events, including exhibitions and conferences, with spaces like the Long Library and Orangery offering historical grandeur.
Website: https://www.blenheimpalace.com
Capacities:
The Orangery: Up to 200 (banquet-style)
The Long Library: Up to 300 (theatre-style)
The Great Hall: Up to 150 (reception)
- The Roman Baths, Bath
History: Dating back to around AD 60, the Roman Baths were built around the city’s natural hot springs, which have been used for public bathing for millennia. The site is a reminder of Bath’s Roman heritage and continues to be a major cultural landmark.
Current Use: Although primarily a museum, parts of the Roman Baths can be hired for special evening events and exhibitions, offering an atmospheric backdrop among ancient architecture.
Website: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk
Capacities:
Great Bath: Up to 200 (standing reception)
Pump Room: Up to 300 (standing reception) or 160 (banquet-style)
Terrace & Reception Hall: Up to 80
- The Natural History Museum, London
History: The museum building itself, completed in 1881, is a work of art, often referred to as a “cathedral of nature.” It has played a central role in the study of natural history and evolutionary biology for over a century.
Current Use: The venue offers stunning spaces like the iconic Hintze Hall, where the famous blue whale skeleton hangs, ideal for exhibitions and events that blend history, science, and awe-inspiring architecture.
Website: https://www.nhm.ac.uk
Capacities:
Hintze Hall: Up to 1,200 (standing reception) or 450 (dinner)
Earth Hall: Up to 400 (standing reception) or 200 (dinner)
Darwin Centre: Up to 150 (theatre-style)
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
History: Opened in 1901, Kelvingrove is one of Scotland’s most visited attractions, showcasing over 8,000 objects from art to natural history. The museum itself is a piece of Edwardian architectural splendour.
Current Use: With its grand central hall and numerous gallery spaces, it provides a striking environment for exhibitions and events that pay homage to its rich cultural history.
Website: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum
Capacities:
Centre Hall: Up to 500 (reception)
Various Galleries: Suitable for smaller gatherings, exhibitions, and private tours.
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