ABBA on stage after winning the Eurovision Song Contest

From Stevie Wonder to the suffragettes - uncover the backstage secrets of Brighton Dome on one of our heritage tours

26 Oct 2022

If you’ve ever wondered what takes place behind the scenes at Brighton Dome, why not join one of our unique backstage tours?You can follow in the footsteps of the legends who’ve graced our stage, like Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Beyoncé or catch a rare glimpse of the infamous secret tunnel underneath…

Refurbished Brighton Dome to include new creative space for artists with support from The Roddick Foundation

20 Oct 2022

We’re delighted to share details of a dedicated creative space for artists as part of the refurbished Grade I and II listed Corn Exchange and Studio at Brighton Dome. The space has been made possible following a generous grant from The Roddick Foundation and will be called Anita’s Room, in memory of Dame Anita Roddick,…

Reduce, Reuse, Repair – Sustainable Practice in our Refurbishment

24 Nov 2021

As the world calls for solutions to help the climate emergency, we’re highlighting how sustainable practice is a key consideration in the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the architecture firm responsible for the re-design and ‘retrofit’ of the Corn Exchange and…

A Building Like No Other

13 Oct 2021

Architect Tim Healy, from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS), has been responsible for overseeing the on-site delivery of the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre venues since the project began. We had a catch-up with him to find out why this building is like no other in the country.Tim specialises…

Corn Exchange Restoration Reveals Its Magnificent Timber Frame

12 Oct 2021

The latest stage in the refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange has seen the completion of extensive repairs to keep the 200 year-old Grade I listed building safe, and preserved as part of the city’s history. An internal ‘birdcage’ scaffold was installed to allow architects and contractors to inspect the deterioration…

Studio Theatre will be restored with a new copper roof

1 Sep 2021

Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee have approved proposals to replace the damaged Studio Theatre roof. A new copper roof can now be installed to protect and restore the Grade II listed building as part of its major refurbishment.Built in 1935, the Studio Theatre (previously known as the Pavilion…

Opportunity  for a New Brewery Supplier for our Venues 


17 Aug 2021

As we approach the re-opening of our Concert Hall bars this September and look forward to completing the refurbishment of our further two live venues next year, we are seeking to partner with a local brewery or draft beer supplier across our bar facilities.   The 1800 capacity Brighton Dome Concert Hall operates a…
Studio Theatre and New Rd Cafe - Credit LT Studio

Unique restaurant / catering opportunity

5 Jul 2021

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival will soon be completing a significant refurbishment of its venues which will result in a major transformation of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. New spaces include a ground floor restaurant opening on to the popular New Road thoroughfare. We're now looking for a partner to devise…
An image of the Corn Exchange Roof

Corn Exchange roof is complete and heritage features restored in our latest refurbishment update

19 Feb 2021

The refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre has continued over the last year to protect, conserve and upgrade the historic buildings to re-open as new and revitalised arts spaces in the heart of the city. Despite the complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, contractors have…

Royal Pavilion Estate awarded £1 million Lottery funding towards Corn Exchange renovation

19 Feb 2021

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) has awarded the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate regeneration an additional £1 million from its Heritage Capital Kickstart Fund. The funding is part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Culture Recovery Fund package. It will be added to…

Corn Exchange Building Refurbishment Update

5 Jun 2020

Contractors working on the refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre have continued to progress with essential works to protect and conserve the historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Since lockdown was implemented, Westridge Construction have been complying with government guidelines on…
Image Credit:The Royal Pavilion and Museums, Brighton and Hove

Royal Pavilion Garden receives National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund support

10 Dec 2019

Brighton & Hove City Council and The Royal Pavilion & Museums have been awarded initial support and development funding of £214,400 by The National Heritage Lottery Fund in order to progress plans to improve and enhance the historic Royal Pavilion Garden. Improving and protecting the Royal…
Brighton Dome used as a military hospital for wounded Indian soldiers during World War I

Wartime Entertainment at Brighton Dome

3 Dec 2019

While we’ve been transforming Brighton Dome for the future, we have recruited Historical Research Volunteers to dig into our past and uncover stories from our 216-year long history. Heritage volunteer, George Meredith uncovers one of many fascinating stories...During World War I, Brighton Dome operated as a hospital for…

Photographer Carlotta Luke Documents Restoration of Heritage Features inside the Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre

8 Nov 2019

Architectural photographer Carlotta Luke has been documenting the transformation and restoration of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre and its heritage features. Based in East Sussex, Carlotta is originally from New England, USA, and specialises in architectural documentary photography. Her work…

Most Haunted: The Ghosts of Brighton Dome’s Past

24 Oct 2019

Gather round! This Halloween, we thought we’d share with you some eerie tales from our storied past, of ghosts and ghouls, mysterious moments and paranormal sightings on the Royal Pavilion Estate. Our venues have seen a lot in their 200 years of history; as the Prince Regents stables, host to a military hospital during…

Council select Westridge Construction as interim contractor on Brighton Dome re-development

16 Oct 2019

Brighton & Hove City Council has selected Westridge Construction Ltd as the preferred interim contractor to continue essential re-development work on Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre. The contractor was identified following a procurement process after the previous company, R Durtnell & Sons,…
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange Window

Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre Refurbishment Update

3 Oct 2019

Brighton & Hove City Council have published details of a plan to complete the restoration of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, with work due to start within the next two weeks.The council is currently finalising the appointment of an interim contractor to carry out emergency work to the historic buildings,…

Royal Pavilion Estate Works Update: Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre

5 Jul 2019

R Durtnell & Sons Ltd, the contractor working on the refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, has ceased work on site and is putting together proposals for a company voluntary arrangement. Brighton & Hove City Council has taken back the site and made it secure. They are committed to…

The works so far: photographer Carlotta Luke shares her favourite photos from the project

12 Jun 2019

Architectural documentary photographer Carlotta Luke shares with us her favourite photos from her work documenting the grand transformation of our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre as well as the new Gallery and Creative Space.Jun 2017My first site visit to the Corn Exchange was also the first time I had been…

Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre Restoration Brings Statue Back to Life

23 Apr 2019

An Art Deco statue depicting the Roman Goddess of Agriculture is being restored as part of our building refurbishment. Standing above the entrance to the Corn Exchange on Church Street, Ceres was sculpted in 1935 by renowned artist James Woodford OBE RA (1893-1976).The statue was crafted by Woodford in a distinct ornamental…

In Photos: Building Update Mar 2019

29 Mar 2019

Take a look at the latest progress on-site, as heritage feature continue to be restored, new spaces and state-of-the-art facilities are being built. The new Gallery space is really starting to come together, with flooring being placed on the lower floor and on parts of the upper floor. These two spaces will become…

In Photos: Building update Dec 2018

19 Dec 2018

In the Studio Theatre, the new balcony is in place, giving a clearer sense of the layout of the space as well as a closer look at the refurbished windows which are now fully glazed. The flooring continues to be put in place, with this also forming the roof of the new cafeWork continues to strengthen the historic roof of…
David Shrigley, Turner Prize-nominated visual artist and Brighton Festival Guest Director, creates personalised prints to support Build Brighton Dome

David Shrigley creates personalised prints for Build Brighton Dome appeal

3 Dec 2018

We have now sold all of the David Shrigley prints. Thanks to everyone who purchased one, your contribution will make a huge difference to our Build Brighton Dome community appeal. Thanks also to David Shrigley for producing the artwork and supporting us. ----We are offering you the opportunity to buy an exclusive…
Brighton Dome used as a military hospital for wounded Indian soldiers during World War I

The Royal Pavilion Estate: Wartime History

9 Nov 2018

The Royal Pavilion Estate's wartime history played an important role in the recovery of wounded soldiers. Find out more about the care soldiers received from the Pavilion Military Hospital and 'Dr Brighton' The Pavilion HospitalBetween 1 Dec 1914 and 28 Aug 1920, over 10,000 wounded soldiers were nursed back to health…

In Photos: Building update Oct 2018

16 Oct 2018

"The changes that a building like this undergoes during renovation has many satisfying moments. I find a beauty in all stages of the process, the early messy broken phases through to the clean and ordered final stretch. This build still has a way to go, but it is offering up glimpses of how spectacular the finished product…

£100k raised towards Build Brighton Dome

10 Oct 2018

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival are delighted to announce that over £100,000 has been raised towards #BuildBrightonDome, the community appeal in support of our transformative project to redevelop the nationally-important Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.The appeal aims to reach out to the Brighton &…

Recently-discovered historic signage and a rare glimpse into Brighton Dome’s ambitious redevelopment works at Heritage Open Day

12 Sep 2018

Visitors will be given a unique opportunity to peek into Brighton Dome’s ambitious redevelopment works as part of Heritage Open Day this Saturday (15 Sep, 10am - 4.30pm).The Corn Exchange doors on Brighton Dome’s West Corridor will be opened for the first time since works began, to give visitors a taste of the extensive…

BeFries donate 50p from each sauce in aid of Build Brighton Dome Community Appeal

11 Sep 2018

Brighton-based Belgian chip company, BeFries, have pledged their support for Brighton Dome’s community appeal, ‘Build Brighton Dome’, by offering to donate 50p from each jar in their range of over 25 sauces sold in the next few weeks. The appeal aims to reach out to the local community as well as visitors…

Photos: Magnificent glass roof sheds new light on redevelopment project

31 Jul 2018

Our brand new spaces are really starting to come together. Glass for the skylight is now installed, so you can begin to picture the new Gallery Bar, looking in to the venue through grand Corn Exchange windows, and the Creative Space above which will provide bright, natural light."I was impressed with how…
 The 200 to 300-year-old remains of 18 individuals, discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate last year, have been laid to rest at the Memorial Cemetery, Woodingdean.

Historic remains discovered on Quakers’ Croft site laid to rest

19 Jul 2018

The 200 to 300-year-old remains of 18 individuals, discovered during redevelopment work at our Corn Exchange on the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate last year, have been laid to rest at the Memorial Cemetery, Woodingdean. The remains, which were found underneath the area formerly used as the venue’s mini conference room,…

The Roddick Foundation pledges £250k match fund grant towards ‘Build Brighton Dome’ Community Appeal

28 Jun 2018

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival has today announced a match fund grant of up to £250,000 from The Roddick Foundation in support of its £21.2 million project to redevelop the nationally-important Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.The pledge offers to double the impact of the organisation’s ‘Build…
Suffragette Argus Article

Brighton Dome’s suffragette history officially recognised in nation’s heritage list

8 Jun 2018

100 years on from the first women in the country being granted the right to vote, Brighton Dome has been officially recognised as one of 41 buildings across England that were at the centre of suffragette action. The sites, which include Westminster Abbey, Epsom Racecourse, and Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, have been…

Photos: Take a peek at the latest update from behind the hoardings

4 Jun 2018

Our Studio Theatre is really making progress, with the steel frames now installed to form the new balcony seating. Heritage features of the Corn Exchange can now be seen, with the paint completely stripped off the arched roof. On the north side of the space, the balcony structure is complete, with the steel in place…

Videos: Meet the Archaeologists helping us uncover our rich history

9 Jan 2018

WW1 letters and a 200-year-old Quaker burial ground were among last year’s exciting discoveries during our redevelopment work at the Studio Theatre and Corn Exchange. We caught up with the team at Archaeology South East to find out more about what they have learned from their post-excavation assessments:Uncovering a…

Memories sought from Brighton Dome’s 150-year history as a performance venue

12 Sep 2017

To mark 150 years as a performance venue, Brighton Dome is seeking memories from across its rich history. Submissions will help inform new heritage displays which will go on show when the refurbished buildings re-open in late 2018.The Grade I listed Brighton Dome, which was originally designed as the Prince Regent's riding…

In Pictures: Early birds head to Royal Pavilion Gardens for Yoga and Tai Chi as part of Brighton Dome’s Rise and Shine

7 Sep 2017

Early risers stretched into gear with Brighton Dome’s Rise and Shine, two free early morning sessions of meditative movement and music in the Royal Pavilion Gardens. With the sun rising behind the Royal Pavilion as backdrop, the Indian and Chinese decorative and architectural influences of the Estate were enjoyed and…

Historic letters found on Royal Pavilion Estate give a fascinating glimpse into the everyday lives of soldiers hospitalised on site during the First World War

5 Sep 2017

Several personal letters dating from the First World War usage of the Royal Pavilion Estate as a hospital for soldiers, have been discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. The letters, which were discovered in both whole pages and in fragments, by workers on site, give a fascinating glimpse of…
Brighton Dome Quaker Burial  Excavation August 2017

Two more historic burials discovered at Quaker’s Croft site on Royal Pavilion Estate

31 Aug 2017

Two more burials, believed to be 200-300 years old, have been uncovered at the historic Quaker’s Croft site which was discovered earlier this month during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate.This recent discovery - thought to be the final remaining burials on-site –…

Video: Designing our Future - Meet the Architects

25 Jul 2017

Peter Clegg and Tim Healey of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the architects appointed to remodel and revitalise our Grade 1 listed Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Grade 2 listed Studio Theatre, as part of the first phase of our ambitious vision to restore and reunite the Royal Pavilion Estate, give an insight into…

In pictures: Excavations at historic Quaker burial site on Royal Pavilion Estate

19 Jul 2017

New images - which have just been released - give a unique insight into excavations at the historic Quaker burial site which was discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn ExchangeA total of 15 complete skeletons have been exhumed and removed from underneath the area that was formerly the venue’s mini…

Interview: We hear from the Archaeologists carrying out excavations at the newly-found Quaker burial site

7 Jul 2017

Following the exciting discovery of a 200-year-old Quaker Burial site during the Corn Exchange redevelopment, we spoke to some of the team from Archaeology South East who are carrying out the excavations, Darryl Palmer (Assistant Director, Head of Fieldwork & Survey), Garrett Sheehan, and Dr Paola Ponce.Can…

200-year-old Quaker burial site discovered on Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Estate

5 Jul 2017

The historic site has been discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.Skeletons have been uncovered on-site and are in the process of being exhumed respectfully and sensitively from underneath the area that was formerly the venue’s mini conference room. The remains are thought to be from 'Quakers…

Blue Plaque unveiled at Brighton Dome by BBC in honour of ABBA’s landmark 1974 Eurovision win

27 Jun 2017

A Blue Plaque unveiled at Brighton Dome honouring music legends Abba is one of 47 announced on Wednesday 14 June by BBC Local Radio, BBC Asian Network and The British Plaque Trust, commemorating people or places that have influenced the musical landscape across the country.BBC Sussex’s Blue Plaque, on Brighton Dome,…

£3m funding boost as work starts on Phase One of Royal Pavilion Estate project

23 Mar 2017

We are delighted to announce that the first phase of our joint vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has been awarded £3m from the Coast to Capital Local Growth fund. The grant award will go towards a major refurbishment of the Grade 1 listed Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Grade 2 listed Studio Theatre as the…

Contractors appointment kick-starts first phase of Royal Pavilion Estate development

16 Jan 2017

Britain's oldest and most established building company, R. Durtnell and Sons Limited, have been appointed by Brighton & Hove City Council as contractors to start works on transforming the Grade 1 listed Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Grade 2 listed Studio Theatre - the first phase of our joint development plans for…
Brighton Rockers Roller Derby at Brighton

Brighton Dome Corn Exchange recalls its skating rink history by hosting Roller Derby Special

23 Nov 2016

The historic Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, itself once a popular skating rink back in the 1870s, is to be the unique setting for a one of the fastest growing sports in the world, Roller Derby (Sat 10 Dec, 4.45pm). Played on roller skates it's a high impact, high scoring, full contact sport.Brighton's home team - the Brighton…
Brighton Dome exterior

Memories sought to help reawaken the Royal Pavilion Estate

7 Sep 2016

Do you have any memories of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange or Studio Theatre (formerly Pavilion Theatre)? As we prepare for their refurbishment we’d love you to share your stories with us and contribute to the history of our iconic venues.Alongside a major refurbishment of the nationally-important Corn Exchange…
History & Heritage

Heritage Open Day: The Royal Pavilion Estate as it was and might have been

2 Sep 2016

Ahead of her talk at this year’s Heritage Open Day, Alexandra Loske, Curator at the Royal Pavilion, gives an insight into some of the lesser known facts about this gem in the heart of the cityLast year I became the Curator of the Royal Pavilion Archives and have been spending much time looking at materials relating…
Royal stables

Phase One preparatory work to start in the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre this autumn

18 Aug 2016

Since 2013 we have been working towards an ambitious culture and heritage-led vision for the Royal Pavilion Estate and its surrounding areas in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and the Royal Pavilion and Museums, starting with a major refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.The…

Partners light up Royal Pavilion Estate for 50th Brighton Festival

29 May 2016

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove, the partners working on the vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate, came together to present a major commission for the 50th Brighton Festival which - quite literally - illuminated its shared history.Created by performance…

Video: ITV Meridian talks to Andrew Comben and Warren Morgan

5 Feb 2016

Following news that our joint vision for the Royal Pavilion Estate has received a £5m funding boost, ITV Meridian's Malcolm Shaw talks to Andrew Comben, Chief Executive Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Cllr Warren Morgan, Brighton & Hove City Council about the buildings' unique heritage and why the project…
Brighton Dome exterior

£5 million funding boost for the Royal Pavilion Estate

28 Jan 2016

Brighton & Hove City Council, The Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival are delighted to announce that their joint vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has been awarded nearly £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).The money will help to pay…
Brighton Dome - Studio Theatre

Planning permission granted for Phase One of vision to revitalise Royal Pavilion Estate

17 Nov 2015

Planning permission has been granted for plans to develop the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre as the first phase of a larger and longer term ambition to reconnect and reunite the Royal Pavilion Estate.The first phase of the proposed development specifically comprises a refurbishment of the Grade I Corn Exchange,…
Royal stables

Architects appointed for first phase of vision for Royal Pavilion Estate

12 Aug 2015

Award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios) have been appointed to remodel and revitalise the Grade 1 listed Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Grade 2 listed Studio Theatre as part of the first phase of the wider vision for the Royal Pavilion Estate. The scheme will allow the refurbishment of the…
Photo by Victor Frankowski

HLF earmarks £5m to Royal Pavilion Estate

24 Nov 2014

Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival are delighted to announce that their joint vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has received a significant funding boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked a sum of £5m to the project - subject…
Royal stables

Arts Council England pledges £5.8m towards first phase in vision to revitalise Royal Pavilion Estate

21 Oct 2014

We are delighted to announce that Arts Council England has pledged £5.8m towards a major revitalisation of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s heritage venues following a successful bid by the joint custodians of the Royal Pavilion Estate – Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.The…
Brighton Dome exterior

A phased approach to reawakening Brighton's Royal Pavilion Estate

26 May 2014

In November 2013 an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund was submitted on behalf of the two custodians of the Royal Pavilion Estate (Brighton & Hove City Council’s Royal Pavilion & Museums and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival), initially for development funds to work up designs to address a series of…
Brighton Dome exterior

The potential economic impact of reawakening the Royal Pavilion Estate

23 Feb 2014

One of the key tenets of the project being led by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and the Royal Pavilion & Museum - is that in addition to the financial benefits accruing to the two partner organisations there will be economic impact on the city of Brighton & Hove itself. The project will have a major impact…
Brighton Dome, Royal Pavilion Estate Gardens

Podcast: Andrew Comben discusses the joint vision for Brighton's Royal Pavilion Estate

24 Jan 2014

The Royal Pavilion Estate is the heart of Brighton & Hove’s city centre, recognised by its iconic domes and its designated Cultural Quarter status.The two custodians of the estate - Brighton & Hove City Council’s Royal Pavilion and Museums and Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival - are working together in a…
History & Heritage

Vision for Brighton's cultural heart revealed

14 Nov 2013

Plans to revive and revitalise Brighton's Royal Pavilion Estate have been announced by Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.The proposal is a joint initiative from the custodians of the estate who are working together in a wide reaching partnership helping put in place a plan which…

The work so far...

1 Jan 1970

You may have seen the exciting news about the glass roof being installed in the new Gallery space, so take a look back at some of the other exciting milestones of the building works so far.Feb 2017Work began to strip the Corn Exchange interiors of all carpets, curtains and wall panels, with some of the original…