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Gaiety Cultural Complex

If you want to have the glimpse of past glory of Shimla then visit to various Victorian structures in Shimla is a must. Shimla heritage buildings like Vice Regal Lodge, Town Hall, and Gaiety Theater etc. are some of the places that take visitors on the historical journey of Shimla. Gaiety Cultural Complex is located near the Ridge, the most visited and busiest site of the Shimla City.

About Gaiety Culture Complex

Gaiety Theater remains an important spot carrying the glory of the colonial India. It was known as Amateur Dramatic Club. The Theater building was designed by the famous British Architect, Henry Irwin. The upper stories of the building were demolished in 1911 as the structure was considered as unsafe.

Gaiety Culture Complex

The Theater Hall was opened in 1887, the year in which Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria was celebrated though the formal inauguration of this theater took place in 1888.

History of Gaiety Culture Complex

Gothic architecture, the style that evolved in Medieval Europe, later on became one of the most used and appreciated architecture styles. The queen of the Hills, Shimla City has many Gothic structures constructed during the British Raj. Gaiety Theater, the core of the Old Town Hall, Shimla showcased all the features of Gothic Architecture. Gaiety Theater had all the required arrangement of acoustics needed for theater and other performance. This place had witnessed marvelous performances by renowned performers of yesteryears as well as the contemporary artists.

Inside the Gaiety Culture Complex

Performers like K.L.Sehgal, Rudyard Kipling, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Pran , Anupam Kher, Nasiruddin Shah, Jenifer Kendle had performed here in this theater.

Facilities at Gaiety Culture Complex

Many facilities like art gallery, amphitheater, seminar halls etc are available within this complex.
Art Gallery hosts many arts and crafts exhibition showcasing traditional art of India as well as the works of contemporary artists. National and international exhibitions here take place in collaboration with the Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi. Exhibition Hall or Tavern Hall of this culture complex holds art exhibitions to encourage the local as well as artists from outside.

Seating Arrangement at the Gaiety Culture Complex

The amphitheater is there for open performances. Separate sitting platforms are there in the amphitheater. There is a multipurpose Hall within the Gaiety Culture Complex. It has a sitting capacity of 450. The stage area is about 2000 sq ft. The hall has automatic curtain system and latest acoustic system for better sound effects. The hall is also equipped with recording facilities and independent projection arrangements.  In this hall, seminars, art exhibitions, cultural events etc. are organized. There is a separate rehearsal place along with makeup room and green room in the 1st floor.

The Theater of Gaiety Culture Complex

Seminars, conferences, workshops etc are arranged in the conference hall. The hall is equipped with latest technical arrangements. Wireless conference system is available here. For seminars, there is arrangement for 50 delegates and for conference purpose, about 28 people can be accommodated at a time.
After the restoration of Gaiety Cultural Complex, the ground floor houses the old Gaiety Theater. This hall still has the old curtain system having the pulley and rope, sand bag and weight. The traditional seats, old panels are also restored. Modern stage lighting system along with the Gothic lights makes the environment classy.  Many events are organized in this old theater.

Timing & Entry Fees of Gaiety Culture Complex

There are conducted tours available at this culture complex. The timings are:

  • From 11 am to 11:45 am
  • From 11:45 am to 12:30 pm
  • From 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm
  • From 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm
  • From 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
  • From 3:15pm to 4 pm
  • From 4 pm to 4:45 pm
  • From 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm
  • From 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
  • From 6:15 pm to 7 pm

The lunch break is for 30 minutes from 1:15 pm -1:45 pm. Inside the complex, no eatables are allowed. Drinking and smoking are also prohibited inside the complex.

The Open theater of the Gaiety Culture Complex


Entry Fees
  • Rs. 10 / Indian
  • Rs. 25/Foreigner
  • Rs. 25/Indian along with camera
  • Rs. 50/Foreigner along with camera


How to Reach Gaiety Culture Complex


By Road: Gaiety Culture Complex can be reached walking down the road which is the most enjoyable way. Being located at the Ridge, it cannot be reached by any vehicle as vehicles are not allowed here. From outside Shimla, buses and taxis can be used to reach by road.

By Rail: From the center of the city, Shimla Railway Station is only 2 km away. It is connected to the Kalka Railway Station through narrow gauge. The Kalka Station is connected through broad gauge to other parts of the country.

By Air: The nearest airport is the Shimla Ariport which is only 23 km away. Different types of conveyance are available from airport and railway station of Shimla to reach the city and thereby reaching this culture complex is not a problem.

Contact Information
Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Address:
The Mall
Shimla
Phone No.: 0177 265 0173
Email Id: contact@gaiety.in
Website: www.gaiety.in

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