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The Aeolian Performing Arts Centre
795 Dundas Street East,
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Category: Returning Site |
Description
Located in the Heart of The Old East Village, The Aeolian Performing Arts Centre contains both Aeolian Hall and The Aeolian School of Music. A designated Heritage Site, the building was originally The Town Hall for East London. Built by the renowned architect August Durand, it is a magnificent example of High Victorian and Italianate Architecture with bio-chromatic brickwork and a Mansard Roof line. All municipal buildings of this time period were multi-functional. A fire station and municipal offices where housed on the ground floor and the meeting hall with its magnificent proscenium arch and gallery is located on the second floor. The cost of building the Town Hall went over budget. East London didn't have enough money to finish its waterworks. By 1885 East London amalgamated with the City of London at which time Fire Station No. 2 was moved to the Hall. The City sold the Hall in 1946. The facility was renovated in 1967 by Gordon Jeffrey into a music presentation facility. A large pipe organ graced the gallery level until it was removed in 2002. Clark Bryan, a Concert Pianist, bought the Hall in 2004. Multi-genre arts presentation and community events are the primary focus of the old Meeting Hall and The Aeolian School of Music offers private and group music instruction. The Aeolian Hall Musical Arts Association, a registered charity now runs Aeolian Hall and The Aeolian School of Music.
Do London Experience
Plan to start or end your visit in the magnificent Aeolian Gardens, located on the West side of the facility and accessible from Dundas St. The main entrance off of Dundas St. will take you to the second floor lobbies and performance hall. An original Proscenium Arch, Noble Baroque shutters adorn the Italianate Windows in the main hall. Take special notice of the Black Madonnas which are a permanent exhibition in the hall. They are the work of the renowned London Artist Marion Drysdale. Other art will also be exhibited. Live music and guided tours will be featured. The venue is fully licensed and beverages, snacks and restrooms will be available. Special tours of the School of Music will be available at 30 minute intervals.
Photography: Interior and Exterior - Photography, Filming & Tripod Permitted
Amenities
- Partially Accessible
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Guided Tours Available