Originally solely a meeting place for social gatherings, it is now also used as an arts venue and for public events, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Hogmanay celebrations.

[2][5] In August 1822, a Peers Ball was held in the Assembly Rooms on the occasion of a visit by King George IV to Edinburgh.

The Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 put Edinburgh under the control of a City Council who took ownership of The Assembly Rooms, with whom they have remained ever since.

In 2011, a £9.3M refurbishment project began, resulting in modernised spaces that retain the Assembly Rooms' original character.

[6] The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh is a multi-purpose event space, regularly hosting conferences, dinners, performances, exhibitions and weddings.

The venue is decorated throughout with crystal chandeliers, gold leaf and gilt mirrors while also incorporating modern technology.