Usher Hall
Since 1896, when Andrew Usher made his historic gift of £100,000 to the City of Edinburgh to found a concert hall, the Usher Hall has become one of the most outstanding concert halls in the world. The Usher Hall is the city's key venue for visiting national and international orchestras and has been the main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival since 1947.
The beautiful Beaux Arts concert hall was completed in 1914 and remains one of Edinburgh 's architectural gems. The much praised acoustics make it one of the best concert halls in Europe with many of the world's finest musicians performing here.
Today the Usher Hall is a centre of excellence embracing the widest range of music and events, including rock, pop, jazz, world, blues, comedy, talks, school concerts, conferences, sponsorship events, ceremonies, lectures and recording sessions
Directions
By foot
The Usher Hall is located in central Edinburgh, just a few minutes walk from Princes Street. We are just off Lothian Road and next to the Traverse Theatre and the Lyceum Theatre.
By bus
Buses 1, 10, 11, 15, 16, 24, 34 and 47 all stop outside the Usher Hall and Filmhouse on Lothian Road. Many other bus routes are only a short walk away. For further information and to plan your journey go to the Lothian Buses website.
By coach
The coach drop-off points are on Cambridge Street and Grindlay Street. Waiting space is available on Castle Terrace and Johnstone Terrace.
By air
Edinburgh International Airport is 8 miles west of the city centre. Coach and taxi services take approximately 25 minutes. Edinburgh Airport
By rail
Edinburgh has two railway stations, Waverley and Haymarket, both within a 15 minute walk of the Usher Hall. For timetables visit: www.trainline.co.uk or call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
By bicycle
There are bicycle racks situated opposite the entrance to the Usher Hall, outside Nandos.
Parking
There is limited on-street car parking however an NCP car park located across the road at Castle Terrace. (click here for information from the NCP website). There is a taxi rank opposite the Usher Hall on Lothian Road. Disabled parking is available on Grindlay Street and Cambridge Street.
The Usher Hall is the Edinburgh home of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and is a main venue for the Edinburgh International Festival. Recent gigs include: Pink Martini, St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Adele, Bon Iver, Robert Plant, Jessie J, Jamie Cullum, A Question of Sport and The Radio Forth Awards. The venue is also frequently used for conferences, graduations, award ceremonies, receptions and charity events.
The 2200-seater auditorium (2900 standing), has excellent acoustics and sightlines.