After years of wear and tear, the venue closed in 2003 for an extensive £15 million refurbishment, re-opening to great acclaim in 2006. As a hub of creativity, a jam-packed programme of public workshops and classes has already benefited everyone from babies, toddlers and school groups to amateur and professional musicians.
Our resident orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, adds to the hive of activity, as we host its continuing series of events and performances. City Halls also provides a regular Glasgow performance base for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Scottish Ensemble.
The Grand Hall is a traditional style auditorium with raked seating and a balcony. It accommodates up to 1,036 people, although the largest audience was an enormous 3,500 back in 1843. The stage can accommodate an orchestra of over 90 and there are choir seats for 110. Many famous names have appeared here over the years, including Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli, Billy Connolly and Dr David Livingstone.
During the refurbishment, the windows of the venue, which had been blocked off for more than 50 years, were uncovered allowing light to flood into the auditorium.
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