This year's Heritage Open Day explores our building through the lives of those who have worked here over more than two centuries.
From stable hands to stage technicians, nurses to record promoters, join us in celebrating the people whose work has kept this remarkable building alive. These are the everyday histories that have shaped Brighton Dome into the cultural landmark it is today.
Come and enjoy our free programme of events, featuring a new exhibition exploring the working lives of the people behind Brighton Dome, a talk by Dr Michael Shapland and activities for all the family.
The Sound of Silent Cinema: Live on the Brighton Dome Organ
Join us to celebrate the heritage of our magnificent pipe organ as it accompanies comedy classics of the silent screen!
Silent film musician Ashley Valentine will demonstrate and talk about Brighton Dome's famous organ which was built in 1936. The organ can produce a vast array of different sounds, making it the perfect instrument to accompany silent comedy films. And after a ‘Felix the Cat’ cartoon to start you chuckling, we’ll be screening two of the very best!
Brighton Dome Concert Hall | 3.30pm (doors 3pm) | £7
Book here
Exhibition: Everyday Histories: Working lives at Brighton Dome
Brighton Dome has been a place of work for more than two centuries. From stable hands and wartime nurses to performers, technicians and front-of-house teams, thousands of people have played a part in the life of the building. This exhibition explores some of these everyday working histories through archive material and photographs, including a series of portraits of current staff taken by Graham Cameron, a long-standing member of the Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival team. Discover some of the familiar and less familiar faces who have helped keep the building running, and find out more about the jobs, skills and stories hidden behind its doors.
10am – 2pm | Brighton Dome Founders Room | FREE
The Lives and Deaths of Old Buildings Talk
Dr Michael Shapland has spent the last twelve years visiting and recording a remarkable range of historic buildings, from churches and country houses to pubs, caves, forts and windmills. His work has often taken him into unusual and charismatic spaces shortly before they are lost, many of which are rarely seen by the public.
In this talk, Michael will draw on highlights from his work to explore how historic buildings evolve, adapt, decline and endure. Through the perspectives of archaeology and architectural history, and drawing on familiar local examples, he will reveal the stories of change and adaptation held within old buildings, while considering what it means to capture the ‘spirit’ of a place before it is lost forever.
Michael will also share new insights from his recent discovery relating to Oscar Wilde and Brighton’s Royal Albion Hotel, which received national attention when it was reported by BBC News last month.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall | 11am – 12pm (doors 10.30am) | FREE (but book a ticket!)
Book a ticket here
Everyday Histories: Get Creative
Be inspired by the people who have shaped Brighton Dome’s history and use paper, card, collage and plenty of imagination to create a character of your own.
It could be a favourite performer, a figure from our fascinating past – or even you! Your character will become part of our growing gallery celebrating the many people who have brought Brighton Dome to life. You can also try your hand at tile making, inspired by the beautiful decorative tiles found throughout the venue, or design and make your own badge to take home.
Brighton Dome Foyer | 10am – 2pm | FREE
Sneak Peeks
Take a closer look inside two of Brighton Dome’s remarkable historic spaces.
Drop into the Concert Hall between 12pm and 2pm, or the Corn Exchange between 2pm and 4pm, and explore at your own pace. Our Heritage Volunteers will be on hand to guide you around, share stories from the buildings’ fascinating histories and point out some of the architectural details you might otherwise miss.
Brighton Dome Concert Hall: 12pm–2pm (enter via Entrances 3+4) Brighton Dome Corn Exchange: 2pm–4pm (enter via Entrance 1) | FREE
