Belfast's Assembly Rooms: New Panels Unveil 250 Years of City History

Belfast's iconic Assembly Rooms, a building that has stood at the heart of our city for over 250 years, is now sharing its incredible story with everyone through a fantastic new exterior interpretation scheme. Twenty-nine beautifully designed panels, presented in English, Irish, and Ulster Scots, have been installed, inviting residents and visitors alike to journey through its rich past.

From its beginnings in the 18th century as an Exchange or market hall, evolving into a vibrant social hub of Georgian Belfast, right up to its later role as the headquarters of the Belfast Banking Company until 2000, these panels trace every chapter of its remarkable history. It's a wonderful way to connect with the layers of Belfast's heritage contained within its walls.

This project is part of a significant conservation effort, partnered with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and guided by Belfast's own James Grieve Architects. Their work ensures that this historic building is not just preserved, but also has a sustainable future, allowing it to continue adapting and serving generations to come.

Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, highlighted the importance of these panels, saying, "It's fantastic to see the history of the Assembly Rooms being shared with everyone. We're very grateful for the support that has allowed us to raise awareness of this iconic building's past and guide its conservation. These panels show why the Assembly Rooms is one of Belfast's most historic and culturally significant assets, and we want to conserve, reinvigorate and reuse it to benefit our citizens and act as a catalyst for further city centre regeneration."

Indeed, the Assembly Rooms project is just one piece of a bigger picture for our city centre. In the coming years, we’ll see exciting developments like the opening of Belfast Stories, a stunning new public space and creative hub on Royal Avenue in 2030, and the transformation of Cathedral Gardens beside Ulster University into a world-class public space by next year. There are also plans for significant residential-led developments, providing much-needed city centre living.

The new interpretation also shines a light on some of the remarkable individuals connected to the building. You’ll learn about Dr James McDonnell, known as the ‘Father of Belfast Medicine’, who shaped our city’s medical and intellectual life, and Martha McTier, a prominent figure in Belfast’s reforming culture who helped establish early maternity charities. The panels even draw attention to hidden gems like a fascinating ‘ghost sign’ – a fading hand-painted advertisement from its past – and a historic night safe, a glimpse into how banking used to be.

Magnus von Wistinghausen, Executive Director at WMF Britain, encourages everyone to get involved. "These discoveries remind us that, even after more than 250 years, there is still more to learn about the Assembly Rooms. We encourage people in Belfast and beyond to learn more and contribute their own memories, helping to ensure its significance is carried forward for future generations."

This is where you come in! As part of ongoing research, the World Monuments Fund is collecting memories, photographs, and stories. Did you ever visit the bank, work in the building, or attend an event there? Do you have a family connection to the Assembly Rooms? Your memories will help record its recent social history, especially its long period as a bank. Capturing these everyday experiences is crucial as online banking changes how we interact with these spaces.

After more than two centuries, the Assembly Rooms is truly beginning a new chapter. Just as it has throughout its rich history, the building is adapting and evolving, ready to serve future generations of Belfast. The story of this incredible landmark is still being written – and you can be a part of it. Share your memories at: https://www.wmf.org/assemblyroomsmemories