Visiting & Accessibility
Address
Nearest transport
Edinburgh Waverley railway station (5-10 min walk). Multiple bus routes serve Nicolson Street. City Centre location with convenient parking nearby.
Box office
0131 529 6000
Accessibility
Venue
Festival Theatre Edinburgh
About
The Festival Theatre Edinburgh is a major cultural venue located at 13-29 Nicolson Street in the heart of Scotland's capital city. Originally built in 1928 as the Empire Theatre, the venue underwent a transformative renovation from 1991-1994, becoming the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. This radical makeover, designed by Law & Dunbar-Nasmith Architects, preserved the restored 1928 auditorium while introducing a striking modern curved glass facade that has become an architectural landmark.
The theatre seats 1,915 and is part of Capital Theatres, Scotland's largest independent theatre organisation. It hosts diverse programming including opera, ballet, musicals, drama, dance, and comedy. The venue features modern facilities including multiple bars, accessible seating with eight wheelchair spaces in the centre Stalls, lift access throughout all levels, and hearing enhancement systems. The theatre is renowned for presenting world-class productions and is a key partner of the Edinburgh International Festival.