History of The Hub

The historic, grade A listed building forms an integral part of the architectural fabric of Edinburgh. Constructed between 1842 and 1845 and originally named Victoria Hall, it was built as the Assembly Hall and offices for the Church of Scotland. The architects were James Gillespie Graham and Augustus Welby Pugin.

In 1956, the building was named the Highland Tolbooth St John’s Church following the union of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church.

The Edinburgh International Festival acquired the building in 1995 and it underwent a huge transformation before opening to the public in July, 1999.