Ulster Hall

The Ulster Hall is a Victorian music hall which opened in 1862. It contains the world-famous Mulholland Grand Organ, which was donated to the city by local linen baron and former Lord Mayor Andrew Mulholland. 

In its first 50 years the Hall hosted Charles Dickens, Ellen Terry, Lord Randolph Churchill and many other significant performers. Throughout the Second World War it was extensively used as a dance hall for American troops billeted in Belfast.

The hall was designed by Newry architect W J Barre. He won a competition organised by the Ulster Hall Company which had been formed in the late 1850s in order to build a concert hall by means of public subscription. 

Following extensive refurbishment, the Ulster Hall reopened in 2009 with a purpose built gallery for our 13 oil paintings by Victorian artist Joseph Carey, and the redesigned Group Space gallery and performance space. Our successful education and outreach programme attracts hundreds of visitors a month through educational workshops, guided tours and small arts events. The building and collections are open to the public Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.