Picture House

Picture House is now Closed

But don't despair! If you're seeking out indie cinemas in Edinburgh, check out Cameo or Filmhouse on Lothian road. Or, for live music venues in Edinburgh, head on over to Liquid Room or Electric Circus. 

Almost a century ago, the Paley Picturehouse was the glitziest cinema in town before being converted into a music venue that in the 70s and 80s headlined bands such as The Smiths and New Order.

After later becoming home to several club nights, the venue eventually shut down and re-opened in 2008 – re-stored to its previous art deco glory and role as one of Edinburgh’s biggest and best music venues. High ceilings, good acoustics and catering to 1500 people over two levels – a standing area and a balcony – it was not a venue to missed. In a sorry turn of events, the venue faced a second closure in 2014 and is due to reopen as a "superpub" - i.e. an absolutely gargantuan Wetherspoons. Good for cheap curly fries and pints, but a grim prospect for Edinburgh's already impoverished music scene. Raise a glass for Picture House.