Victoria Rooms

The Victoria Rooms concert hall, a familiar Bristol landmark in the West End, first opened its doors to the public in May 1842. For many years the venue served as the most important and lively cultural centre in the west of England.

In 1848, the renowned 19th century soprano, Jenny Lind (the 'Swedish Nightingale') appeared on its platform, and four years later, Charles Dickens delighted a large audience with a selection of readings. From 1873, the main hall also possessed a very famous organ – the large instrument originally built for the Royal Panopticon of Arts and Science in London. Sadly, the organ, along with the original hall, was destroyed by fire in 1934.

Once restored, the Victoria Rooms building became the headquarters for the University Union, a purpose that it continued to fulfil until 1964, and subsequently, the venue was used as an attractive Conference and Exhibition Centre.

However, the Victoria Rooms was originally intended for music-making, and it therefore seemed entirely appropriate in 1996 that it should be allocated to the University of Bristol’s Department of Music. Indeed, with its versatile auditorium, elegant recital room and vast complex of teaching and practice spaces, plus its recording studio, the Victoria Rooms is the ideal base for the study, composition and performance of music.