History
Know the past
gaiety - history
Est :- 1887
Gaiety Theatre was opened on 30 May 1887, is an example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, derived from British Victorian examples. It was once part of the large Town Hall Complex. which opened in the newly constructed Town Hall which was Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Year. The first recorded performance had coincided with her coronation. In the European tradition, this would make the Shimla Amateur Dramatic Club one of the oldest in the country. It was also in that year that the Amateur Dramatic Club was registered as a joint stock company and formally housed in the Town Hall. Placed in a strategic wedge between the Mall and the Ridge
History
This building is designed exquisitely designed in Gothic style of Architecture is a true manifestation of Victorian artistry and has a capacity of more than 300 people was constructed as the town hall at that time.
Interesting Fact: It is surprising to know that this whole structure was originally a 5 storied building which consisted of theater, ballroom, armory, police office, bar, and galleries.
gaiety - history
Est :- 1887
Design by the English architect Henry Irwin. It is an example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture, derived from British Victorian examples. It was once part of the large Town Hall Complex.
Henry Irwin was very active architect during the last quarter of the 19th century , beside Gaiety ,he also designed the building of Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla.
Fisrst day cover
In the year 2014 Department of Post ( India) issued first day cover to commemorate the 125 years of Gaiety.
Gaiety Theatre is not just a hall. It is an institution in the true sense of the word. India Post is proud to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Gaiety Theatre Complex
Suresh Kumar (FDC)
Dept. of Post
Demolition-restoration
1887-2003
After two decades from its establishment it was found that the building was structurally unstable and demolished in 1912. It is said that stones used in the building were not strong enough to take the load of such gigantic structure.
To save from dilapidated and deteriorated condition, the restoration of this Complex was started in the year 2003 and took almost 6 years with expenditure incurred more than 11.5 Crore to restore the old glory.