Dating its history back to 122 years, the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex in Shimla was designed by a renowned British Indian architect, Henry Irwin.Initially, it was a five-story building with a ballroom, a police office, an armoury, a theatre, a bar and galleries. However, after two decades of its construction, the structures were found to be extremely unsafe and unstable. Although most of the parts were demolished, the Gothic-styled theatre remained untouched. Later, the renovation added the art gallery, the theatre, the multi-purpose hall, the museum and the exhibition hall to the existing complex. Today, the venue is used for organizing numerous cultural programs along with displaying ancient or historical art.paid entry ranging from 10 to 50.opens all day accept Sundays.last visited feb 2021

Heritage building located in the middle of Mall Road. It still houses the Dramatics society, a police office and restaurants. The exteriors have seen some restoration work being done over the last few years, as a result of which it looks even more stunning now.Gorgeous with some great street views of the mall, good food and snacks as well plus outdoor seating where one can enjoy all this and some beer.Entry however is restricted. Cant walk off the road inside.. You need to be a member or be a guest of a member, similar rules to say a gymkhana in Delhi, including dress codes too although that is more relaxed than some of its counterparts.Becoming a member means a huge waiting line. It might be smaller than clubs in Delhi or other cities but same stress on demand of membership.

An absolute delightful place to clik picture for lifetime...

You just cant go to the ridge and not visit this place...Absolutely brilliant place...Full of history and heritage.....10/10 recommended...

One of the oldest theatres in the country! Colonial ambience.

Over all its a very beautiful place. You will get the complete view of shimla from this place. Mall road and Christ Church is near this place, many things to eat and shopping and great place for photoshoot. Must visit 🧡

This is the best place of shimla to visit..you can spend whole day there for seeing a single view..evening time view is so sweet.church timing is 11am to 5 pm. So go there before 5pm then 1st view the church then enjoy the evening time there..

At central location. Best place to see exhibitions which are mostly based on culture of himachal

Gaiety Heritage building is one of the notable British Architecture on the Ridge of Shimla...Gaiety theater is one of unique heritage theater which till date hosts various events...It also has Amateur Dramatic Club inside which is only for membes...Tourist can visit Gaiety Theater and exhibition area...You can feel British vibes in theater.

It’s simply awesome. You feel like waoo during night. Great old Architecture with beautiful lighting effects.

The walk up the mountain can be exhuasting, but it is worth the effort. Especially fun are the open markets that line the street to the top. Things will reach new heights once you reach the top. Enjoy

Everything is good , service is well , behaviour also well

Limited access only for members

Very well maintained and clean ....worth giving a visit

Its a fantastic palace to see near mall road. Its a famous place in shimla . Looks very beautiful in evening and night. Mood light around it is excellent. Specifically you will get beautiful selfies here.

An british era theatre in middle of mall,must visit for those who are interested in Architecture specially colonial Architecture.Ticket price is very nominal,you would be given a guided tour of building by an knowledgeable and humble person (sorry I forgot his name).For Bollywood enthusiast many movies were shooted here including song of Gaddar mai nikla gadi lekar .

Heritage Building constructed in Victorian Gothic architecture. Unique opportunity to vitness a architectural and heritage value.

It a heritage cultural complex constitutes the Art gallery, Art theater, stage, it is very famous and located at Mall road shimla, many of famous artists has been performed here like Anupam kher, Preety Zinta, its my pleasure to exhibit my artwork here, here the exposure or art is Very high here u can find crowd every time. Beautiful place at all and one of the best art gallery in the country, wish to visit again and again

Well I wish to displace many time with my friends but at that time and don’t even imagine that I will get a beautiful girl in my life she’s very pretty and I love to spend time with her and on thank you

Unique theatre and architecture, beautifully restored. Extremely interesting pictures and old photos of various theatre performances during the time of the British Raj

Awesome location.Its night view is awesome.This huge complex is a popular monument which is situated in the middle of the busy lanes of the Mall road. The architecture of the complex is a Victorian Gothic style like the many other neo-Gothic buildings in Shimla.The theatre is designed by Sir Henry Irwin and is one of the oldest complexes in the state.

Another gem of the British era, the only theatre of its kind in entire Asian continent..wonderful architecture, few movie scenes too have been shot here

The Gaiety Heritage cultural complex comprises mainly of the exhibition hall, the art gallery and the restored theatre.Now this review is of the restored theatre. The theatre was initially designed by Sir Henry Irwin from 1884 to 1887. He was simultaneously working on the Viceregal lodge- what we know today as Indian institute of advanced studies and he took almost the same amount of time to build it : 1884 to 1888.Now this was a Victorian styled theatre with a LOT of amenities. There were three/four layers of curtains, a completely soundproof setup, a theatre pit, make up rooms, oil fired lanterns, folding seat arrangements to accomodate 300 odd people, separate seating for the viceroy, chief in command of the army, the archbishop even (yes. True) and elite guest seating for the Maharajas and such. It even had a provision of battery powered torches for which the batteries were imported in those times. A lot of plays were performed here as it was one of the few modes of entertainment then.Later on, few Bollywood artists made their humble beginnings here and at least three bollywood songs are picturised here - the one which crosses my mind is mein Nikla o Gaddi leke from Gadar.Now upon restoration, they have maintained its original structure and style and it is still used for plays and small shows. It still has a seating capacity of 320.The color scheme has shifted to a greenish one from the original reddish.There is a meager entrance fee of ₹10 which includes a guided tour and for a price of ₹25 more, you could use your camera and shoot pictures. The portion upstairs is a small picture gallery - this is different from the art gallery- which houses pictures of mainlyl the bplays that were performed here , the pictures from the times of restoration of the theatre, Gandhijis visit to Shimla and such.Now this Gaiety theatre belongs to a group which has 15 more theatres of the same name : 6 in the US, 6 in Europe and one each in Australia, Japan and the Philippines.Cheers.

E heart of Shimla lies the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, testimony to Victorian-architectural excellence. This 122-years old theatre-complex takes you back to the late 19th-century to one of the oldest-surviving British structures of present-India. It holds footprints of some of the greatest legends namely Rudyard Kipling, Prithviraj Kapoor, Baten Powel and K.L. Sehgal, among others who have immortalised its physical entity.At the heart of Shimla lies the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, testimony to Victorian-architectural excellence. This 122-years old theatre-complex takes you back to the late 19th-century to one of the oldest-surviving British structures of present-India. It holds footprints of some of the greatest legends namely Rudyard Kipling, Prithviraj Kapoor, Baten Powel and K.L. Sehgal, among others who have immortalised its physical entity.Theatre was just one sparkling side of this multi-faceted complex. Ballroom, armoury, galleries, bars and police office were its other social inclusions. Though most parts of the complex was demolished due to its structural instability, yet the Gothic-styled theatre was kept intact. Renovation has added an exhibition hall, art gallery, museum, multi-purpose hall and an amphitheatre to the existent old theatre. This heritage building is now venue to numerous performing arts and cultural programmes in the city along with artistic and historical displays.Known and unknown facts:The building was envisaged and designed by Henry Irwin on 30th May 1887.Gaiety Theatre along with the Town Hall, known as the Municipal Corporation today, were planned and constructed together.The first drama to be recorded here was on 9th June 1838.The Amateur Dramatic Club was founded in the year 1887.Visiting hours: 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.Entry Fee: Indians- Rs. 10, Foreigners- Rs.25TIMINGMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMPREFFERED BYHistory Buffs ,Connoisseurs ,Experience SeekersTIME SPENT2 hoursENTRY FEERs 10 per person for Indians Rs 25 per person for foreign tourists

At the heart of Shimla lies the Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, testimony to Victorian-architectural excellence. This 122-years old theatre-complex takes you back to the late 19th-century to one of the oldest-surviving British structures of present-India. It holds footprints of some of the greatest legends namely Rudyard Kipling, Prithviraj Kapoor, Baten Powel and K.L. Sehgal, among others who have immortalised its physical entity.

Good place to visit. Got a chance to see the practice session of artists. It was great

The guides are very polite and understanding. The food in the cafe is fresh aswell. Kids under 7might not enjoy the place that much as it is all about indian and British history. The place is well maintained as well as the garden.

It was nice and once must go visit place.

Very heritage and historical place in shimla very nice well maintained nice to visited here to know about the history of this theatre.

When someone visit gaiety heritage he or she feel good and gaiety heritage is views around numbers of turiests came here to everyear

Awesome weather throughout year,Great place to hang with friendsPlenty of varieties for eating

Very attractive and beautiful view with cleaning and good behavior.

Location matters boss.......Most beautiful location and Engineering work is amazing

A really nice cultural heritage of Shimla and India, had the Golden opportunity of performing here! Wholesome experience!

Nice place to be with friends... Great architecture 👍👍

I love it. . My personal favorite selfie pla e

Gaiety heritage cultural complex also popularly know as Gaiety Theatre,is located in the middle of Mall Road and and has been famous for it’s theatrical performances ,exhibitions and shows from British time . It has produced some of the finest artists and actors of Bollywood, Anupam Kher being one of them .

Superb place in Shimla 👍👍👍Gaiety heritage cultural com

Beautiful exhibition by local artists ...

The British time theater Hall is well maintenance and just beautiful. Its a must visit to see the lovely architecture of British times.The place has been renovated and is awesomely well maintained.The entry is 10 per person, but if you are going to use your camera it is 25 per person.

A heritage building and one of the oldest theater in Shimla

Nice place to visit during day. The Mall is a cozy place though. You can enjoy

For cultural and heritage of hp and artist not for bollywood etc

Best place ever

Nice looking complex for cultural and artistic exhibitions

The night view is awesome however I didnt go inside it

Very chilled weather in Jan and a must visit place

Because this place very well tempting

One of its kind. Must visit to see British legacy.

Looks special in night with decorative lights nearby to ridge

If you ever come to Shimla and dont visit gaiety theatre then you just ruined your trip to Shimla . Its the oldest theatre of Asia , and first play was played in 1827 . This theatre has a little negative energy present in it . I saw a reflection of ghost in the upper chairs . And when I clicked a pic and white reflection was seen upper side just right to the camera . Pic is shown . And moreover I started filling drowsy and uneasy in theatre . It was chilling cold inside and hot outside the theatre . All the whole , must visit this theatre .E

View from this place at evening is beautiful.

This experience was amazing, the work done here is great, true example of architectural design in sense of audio balance....And at the time you enter the theatre you feel like you have moved back to 1880s or 90s... Because the colour or arrangement is same as that time....Here everything is well taken care of.....Guide here will explain you when and how this theatre was opened and the guide is also amazing in his job....

The Municipal Corp of Shimla has made extra efforts to beautify the Place kudos

Nice places to click photos

Place to visit, film directors favourite place for shoot, that’s a more than 100 years old building .

Very beautiful Victorian architecture

Mall road best place to spend time during evenings.

Its really awesome built by britishers.

Heritage of Himachal and activities running here in theatre enriching the culture of the state

Very beautiful place

An old theater with a lot of history... Its run by the Amateur Dramatics Club of Shimla. Looks run down but is a nice experience to watch a play here

Worth your time if you are interested in history of shimla

A Great heritage site on right on the Mall road in Shimla. A beautiful and vintage building. Very beautifully restored. A great place for theatre, plays and exhibitions. Good for all age groups. Must visit when going to Shimla.

Antique heritage and building in Shimla is famous for exhibition, short movies, conference and seminar.

Its awsome to see this as there us lot to see... there is heritage theatre... designed by architect henry irwin.. u can see area where kings used to sit to watch play dramas. Where brtishers used to sit.. wooden stage and sitting designed from foreign countries during that time.. there is museaum in above area. Where one can see construction n renovation images of this place. And images of drama played in history over here... there is guide to explain about it. He is very good knowledgeable person. There is balcony sitting as well..Must visit place

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex, one of the top tourist attractions in Shimla. It takes you back in time with its historical beauty and lets you see the glance the British Era better. Featuring a Gothic style of architecture, The interior, sculptures and paintings. Its really a classy place in Queen of Hills.

Great place to walk freely

Awesome....The atmosphere here is Superb...You will have a beautiful sight seeing of nature standing here

Gaiety theatre is a famous landmark in ShimlaIt was designed by Henry Irwin in 1887Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Balraj Sahni, Pran, Shashi Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah & Anupam Kher have performed on the stage of this theatreAmateur Dramatics Club one of the oldest club operates at the upper level of the Gaiety Theatre on the Ridge

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex also known as Gaiety Theatre is Shimlas centre point, as is it rightky located around the holy Christ Church & the Ridge enroute to the Scandal Point. Gaiety has been the ideal place for many cultural festivals, traditional functions, wellfare associations programs as well as it has provided an ideal space to acting groups of the town for rehearsals.Its magnificent view comes to life during early morning and late evening hours and a walk around this area is a must do thing during your Shimla Trip.

The Gaiety Theatre complex is an excellent community space run by the Language and Culture Department featuring an auditorium, a historic drama stage, galleries and exhibition spaces.

Good place

This experience was amazing, the work done here is great, true example of architectural design in sense of audio balance....And at the time you enter the theatre you feel like you have moved back to 1880s or 90s... Because the colour or arrangement is same as that time....Here everything is well taken care of.....Guide here will explain you when and how this theatre was opened and the guide is also amazing in his job....

Still in very gentle condition..

Unique building to watch.....

Very beautiful place and vintage building

It is a beautiful British era building located in the heart of Shimla. A true Victorian showcase of architecture and excellence.

Chause of peace

Beautiful heritage structure on the ridge Shimla.

Perfect 👌 View point

Nice place

This is the heat of the Shimla. Beautiful place on the mall road . You would have better view in the night time. Views are eyecaptive . A beautiful walk with a memorable walk on mall road. You can enjoy every single second there.😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Culture and heritage theater on mall road Shimla Himachal Pradesh.

Old & heritage place in shimla

The renovated Gaiety complex is an impressive stone structure with an old world atmosphere. The club harks back to the days of the Raj, and some of the staff seem to date back to those days! The catering is decent without being outstanding, but the overall experience is certainly worthwhile.

Cool environment

Best place

Reminiscence of history

Nice place.....

Visited this place when a famous himachali singer was performing, and the energy was absolutely amazing and lovely.Whenever you get a chance to attend any type of cultural festival here do enjoy it.

Heritage and now renovated by Himachal Pradesh government........... It is near scandal point the mall road shimla

Very good mall

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a theatre of British Empire.Well maintained by government.It was under renovation while when we visited.Normally we can see dance show or cultural show or different types of exhibitions

Historic

Love this place, though pics uploaded are very old as somehow found these today in old laptop, but you must visit this place when visiting shimla, few movies are also shot here, and this theatre has old style seating arrangements and still having vintage look and feel, this is situated right on Mall road itself.

The building is from British time. It has been renovated recently. The architecture is very fine and beautiful from both outside and inside. Painting exhibition is always displayed in upper storey of the building. One can buy copies of original paintings from there. In lower storey different exhibitions are frequently goes on.

Gaiety is a great place if one wants to spend an evening in Simla and is able to get an entry to it provided you are a member or you know one of the members.The colonial architecture makes the place all the more enticing and the food is relatively cheap.They have a nice sitting area outside if you visit during day time and want to bask in the sun as evenings during winters can be quite chillyThe food is not very expensive and they have a variety of snacks and food available

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is a theatre complex which usually has shows going in it throughout the year. It has a British Architecture and after restoration looks way more cool. You can even enjoy seeing the Gaiety theatre from outside as the architecture is too good. It is accompanied by the town hall on one side which serves se a office for municipal corporation of Shimla. The theatre is large and quite a large no. of people can be accommodated inside it.

Awesome place for you