Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Shimla | Timings, Entry Fees, History

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, Shimla Overview

Built in the Victorian or Gothic style of architecture over a century ago, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex located in Shimla is of immense historical and cultural significance in India. The five-storey complex houses an exhibition hall, a multipurpose hall, an art gallery and an amphitheatre. It is considered as an essential and famous centre of performing arts for artists, and art enthusiasts from all over the world visit the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex frequently.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, built in 1887, was designed by a British Indian architect, Henry Irwin. The main attraction of the cultural complex is the theatre where legends like Prithviraj Kapoor, Rudyard Kipling, K.L.Sehgal etc. had given some memorable performances. This Victorian style theatre gives a glimpse into the importance of art and how it affects the culture of the region.

Facilities at Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

Art Gallery
The Art Gallery at Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is where art and craft worthy of being in an exhibition are displayed. The art gallery works in association with Lalit Kala Academy in New Delhi. Several National and International art exhibitions are held here to view the art created by present-day artists. Tourists will find captivating paintings and sculptures created by local, national and international artists put on display for art lovers.

Theatre and Amphitheatre
Performing at the theatre at Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is considered a dream project even today. Several plays and performances are held here by local, national and international artists. These performances are either held at the amphitheatre or the multi-purpose hall which are acoustically treated with a decent sound system. The venue is used for cultural events, seminars, workshops etc. The old theatre still has old seating, curtain system etc. Tourists who want to get a feel of watching a show in the early Victorian style must visit the complex when visiting Shimla.

Architecture

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a historical and cultural monument built in the Gothic or Victorian type of architecture. When it was built in the 19th century, the complex had a ballroom, a theatre, an office, galleries, an armoury and bars. Most of these structures were found to be extremely unstable after about two decades of building it, and hence, most of the complex was demolished. The theatre and the exhibition hall, multi-purpose hall, the art gallery and the museum were renovated. It is used as a venue for performing arts even today and displaying ancient or historical art.

The structure has large Victorian style doors and glass windows. The passages inside the complex are spacious and well maintained. Most of these passages are lined with white coloured pillars that support the arches on the ceiling. The space is cleverly utilised to display paintings and sculptures. The multi-purpose hall has a performance area, the stage, and galleries for seating the audiences. The walls and the ceilings are painted in colours that maintain the gothic feel under warm lights. The amphitheatre also has paintings in gold that are characteristic Victorian architecture. The amphitheatre at the complex is an acoustically treated open-air theatre with separate seating arrangements.

Best Time to Visit

Most of the shows are scheduled during the daytime. One can visit Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in the morning to get a tour through the complex and then catch a show in the afternoon or evening.

Tips

1. Visitors are prohibited from carrying eatables inside the complex.
2. Drinking and smoking are not allowed on the premises.

How To Reach Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is easily accessible by road from any part of Shimla. Since it is located barely 5 minutes away from Mall road, you can walk up to here.