A Capital Collection

The refurbished St Cecilia’s Hall is a musical jewel in Edinburgh’s crown

- Garry Fraser

EDINBURGH can boast many architectural gems, most of which dominate the city’s skyline. However,there’s one in the Cowgate that’s not so much in the public eye – yet it could trump them all.

Commissioned by the Edinburgh Musical Society and designed by Robert Mylne, St Cecilia’s Hall was completed in 1763 and became Scotland’s first purpose-built concert hall. St Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians. Could there be a more fitting name for such a building?

Since its construction the building has had many uses, including a school, a masonic lodge and a dance hall. Now, after a £6.5 million development by the University of Edinburgh, aided by private funding and National Lottery support, it serves as a musical instrument museum. Its unique distinction is the fact that it is the only venue in the world where it is possible to hear 18th-century musical instruments played in an 18th-century hall.

The hall’s four exhibition galleries showcase more than 400 instruments from the university’s outstanding collection.