History, science, academia, creativity, and an inspired vision for Summerhall promises it will be at the forefront of Edinburgh’s arts scene.
Positioned in a landscape of university buildings, festival venues and international theatres Summerhall will be a year round arts centre that will showcase all arts genres. Formerly the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies the internal and external courtyard spaces offer an infinite number of opportunities to local and visiting arts individuals and companies. The space feels flexible and dynamic yet retains its history, charm and style.
The Royal Dick Bar show cases the ambition and eye for detail held by the team behind Summerhall. The bar painted in bold colours has artefacts of bones and instrumentation alongside modern art works; this is in no way macabre, but an artistic celebration of everything that has gone before. To top it off the house beer, a good real ale is called and branded Summerhall.
The buildings (some of which are still being redeveloped) retain historical architectural and academic fixtures; even the smell of academia and science seems to linger. Dissection auditoriums have become intimate places for small audiences to get close to their subject. Large laboratory rooms with science benches lined in parallels have become display benches. Small rooms and studies have become artists studios and as the reincarnation of Summerhall moves towards completion there is no doubt this arts hive will inspire a new era in Edinburgh’s arts history.
Newington, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh EH9, UK
