McEwan Hall

McEwan Hall is an iconic 19th century landmark in the heart of Edinburgh, perfect for a large conference or event.

About McEwan Hall

	McEwan Hall Teviot Place, Edinburgh South EH8 9AG
	01316501000
	McEwan Hall Website

Listed Under Attractions - Live Music Venues

Seating up to 1,700 delegates in its tiered auditorium, the McEwan Hall is Edinburgh First's largest conference venue. Our other venues nearby - including Appleton Tower and David Hume Tower (DHT), located less than five minutes' walk away – can increase delegate numbers further by utilising their lecture theatres, breakout and catering spaces.

McEwan Hall boasts a Main Hall and full basement access, where there are six seminar rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and accessible facilities.

The McEwan Hall was presented to the University in 1897 by William McEwan, not only as a ceremonial hall for graduations but also as a gift to the people of Edinburgh. This iconic Grade A listed building was designed by Sir Rowand Anderson, with lavish interiors by William Palin. The building was actually completed in 1894 but took another three years to complete the interior designs, the centrepiece being the 15 beautifully painted mural panels that make up the vast dome.

The hall was reopened in 2017 following a painstaking 3-year, multi-million pound refurbishment. This was meant to not only 'refresh' it's beautifully intricate painting and stonework; but also to expand the function of the hall to meet the modern ceremonial and commercial demands of the University of Edinburgh.

New spaces were created for conferences, exhibitions, events and education - particular highlights being access to the upper gallery to increase seating capacity and a new expansive basement space that can hold up to 578 people.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for McEwan Hall are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at McEwan Hall

Talks and Lectures

An Evening with Carlo Rovelli

23rd September 2025

McEwan Hall, Edinburgh South

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics with an evening of science, art and music on Tuesday 23rd September at McEwan Hall!

Live Music Venues

Bannermans Bar

202 Cowgate, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1NQ

Bannerman's Bar is Edinburgh's premier music venue, located in the heart of the city!

Live Music Venues

Lulu

125b George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4JN

This hidden gem is tucked beneath our sister Venue Tigerlily in the heart of Edinburgh. Comfortably exclusive, but ever so slightly saucy. Welcome to...

Live Music Venues

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

10 New Market Rd, Edinburgh West EH14 1RJ

Edinburgh Corn Exchange, formerly the O2 Academy Edinburgh, is one of the city's largest standing, multi-purpose, award-winning venues with a reputation for live music!

Live Music Venues

Dalriada

77 Promenade, Portobello EH15 2EL

Award winning family run bar, situated right on the beach in Edinburgh's Portobello.

Live Music Venues

The Fiddlers Arms

11-13 Grassmarket , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HY

Welcome to the Fiddler’s Arms - a warm and friendly traditional pub sitting at the end of the Grassmarket in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.

Live Music Venues

The Wee Red Bar

Edinburgh Art College Lauriston Place, Edinburgh Old Town EH3 9DF

The Wee Red Bar is a small bar & club with cheap drink prices and great music situated in the grounds of Edinburgh College Of Art.

Live Music Venues

Royal British Legion Scotland Edinburgh Central

Elsie Clark Halls 33 Rodney Street, Edinburgh North EH7 4EL

The Royal British Legion Scotland holds regular entertainment at their Edinburgh Central branch with live music, cabaret lunches and ladies nights.

Live Music Venues

Whistle Binkies Edinburgh

4 - 6 South Bridge , Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LL

Welcome to Whistle Binkies, Edinburgh with live music 7 nights a week.

Live Music Venues

Festival Theatre Edinburgh

13/29 Nicolson Street , Edinburgh South EH8 9FT

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is a performing arts venue used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events, and touring groups.

Live Music Venues

Malt & Hops

45 The Shore, Leith EH6 6QU

Dating from 1749, this mellow local with roaring fire offers real ales, whiskies and pub lunches.

Live Music Venues

Why Not Nightclub

14 George Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2PF

Why Not Nightclub has quickly reinstated its reputation as Edinburgh’s premier night spot and has proven itself to be the most popular night club destination in Edinburgh.

Live Music Venues