Secret History of Brighton Dome Revealed for Heritage Open Days 2020

The secret history of Brighton Dome is set to be revealed online for national Heritage Open Days running from 11 to 20 September 2020.

Due to our current closure, we are disappointed not to be able to offer events in our venue this year so over the next week, we are publishing a series of daily blogs on our website that have been researched and written by our heritage volunteers. These stories offer a fascinating insight into the connections between Brighton Dome and the Royal Pavilion Estate and Gardens, political movements and the social life of the city – from celebrity boxing matches to horticultural shows.

This year’s Heritage Open Days theme is Hidden Nature and we’ll be uncovering some surprising facts about how nature has inspired the architecture and interior design of the Estate.

2020 also marks the 85th anniversary of the re-opening of Brighton Dome Concert Hall and Corn Exchange following the Art Deco refurbishment in 1935 which was designed by the renowned architect Robert Atkinson.

The Grade I listed building, set within the city’s famous Royal Pavilion Estate, has had an illustrious past. From housing the Prince Regent’s horses to ABBA winning Eurovision, Brighton Dome has seen some unexpected moments throughout its 200-year history and the building enters a new era with the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatres.

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome said:

“We always look forward to heritage open days so it’s a shame we aren’t able to open the venue to visitors this year. We are enormously grateful to our volunteers who have been doing such insightful research during lockdown. These stories remind us of the significant role Brighton Dome and the Royal Pavilion Estate has had on the city and we hope will continue to have in the future.”

Blogs will be published every day from 11 to 20 September, read them here.

Find out more about Heritage Open Days here.