The Anatomy Rooms Set to Close in 2026

Sad news for Aberdeen’s creative scene this week with the announcement that The Anatomy Rooms, home to All In Ideas, Arkade Studios and Gallery, and Citymoves Dance Agency, is set to close next year. Last week, the University of Aberdeen informed tenants that Marischal College East, including the section of the building housing The Anatomy Rooms, will be shuttered.

While this announcement is bittersweet, there’s some comfort in knowing that All In Ideas, Arkade Studios and Gallery, and Citymoves will continue to operate out of the building until the end of their respective leases. The space has been a cornerstone of creativity in the city, hosting art exhibitions and performances, and offering a space for artists to collaborate and showcase their work.

Arkade Gallery and Project Room hires will continue as planned until September 2025, and Citymoves’ venue hires will continue until March 2026 ensuring that classes and venue hires continue without interruption for the time being.

In a post to Instagram, All In Ideas looked back on the hard work done in the space. They said: “All In Ideas SCIO has loved supporting artists for over nine years since launching The Anatomy Rooms in 2016 and is honoured to have become part of many special partnerships across this time and we cannot wait to continue to create happy memories here in the time to come.”

While the closure of such a beloved space is undoubtedly a loss for Aberdeen’s creative scene, both All In Ideas and Citymoves remain dedicated to ensuring that their vital contributions continue until the end of their time in the building.

While it’s sad to see The Anatomy Rooms close, we hope each organisation will find space to continue their important work. The creativity, passion, and community they’ve fostered in Aberdeen will thrive wherever they go.