We’re delighted to have taken on the management of the historic Bath Assembly Rooms as we begin to build a new Georgian experience that will reveal stories of its social life in a way that is tangible and exciting.
The National Trust has owned Bath Assembly Rooms since 1931 and recently took on the day to day management of this historic building. Work is underway to create an experience that will transport visitors back to the social scene of Georgian Bath in the late eighteenth-century, whilst remaining open during this transition as much as possible.
The Assembly Rooms are a significant part of the World Heritage Site of Bath and our ambition is to explore the important role they played in society, and what that means to us today, while celebrating its beauty and splendour.
We plan to create an experience that will transport our visitors to Georgian Bath, while exploring the role that the Assembly Rooms can play in the city today.
Between now and opening we’ll be uncovering the history of the building, testing and finalising our plans and undertaking building works. We hope to open the new visitor offer in 2026.
During this time we will open the rooms whenever possible, with behind-the-scenes tours to share the ongoing work and through partnership events. We'll be sharing the stories we uncover and gathering feedback on our plans for the future.
We are also working with partner organisations to see how the rooms can be used for public benefit during this period.
Find out what's on at the Bath Assembly Rooms here.
- Tom Boden, National Trust General Manager for the Bath Portfolio
Ahead of getting the keys back, we've begun working with creative colleagues, partner organisations and the local community to develop an exciting and relevant future for the building.
This work will now continue in the building, exploring the spaces available and uncovering aspects such as the historic plunge pool.
Research and historical records are underpinning our decisions to ensure the full story of Bath Assembly Rooms can be enjoyed by everyone.
Through engaging communities and local groups, we want to make sure the Bath Assembly Rooms provide inclusive experiences and various ways people can get involved, including volunteering and programming opportunities.
June 2023
We're testing the building to see how large scale events work in the spaces to inform future plans. Forest of Imagination built 'Assemble in the Forest' taking over the whole ground floor with a contemporary art event open to schools and the public.
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at the Assembly Rooms on the National Trust Collections website.
Explore the Bath Assembly Rooms through exciting partnership events and behind-the-scenes tours to uncover what once lay at the heart of fashionable Georgian society.
From springheads and stone markers to Iron Age field systems, learn about the archaeological remains found at the Bath Skyline. Find out how the area was used by the people that lived here.
Discover how Ralph Allen may have worked with the great Capability Brown to transform his formal Georgian garden to a more natural style, with the Palladian Bridge.
There is history of occupation at Dyrham Park from ancient times. Find out about the people and families who have added their stories to Dyrham Park.
