Financed by Factory Records and the band New Order, The Haçienda (FAC 51) opened in 1982 in a former yacht showroom. Designed by Ben Kelly, its industrial aesthetic—featuring hazard stripes, bollards, and high-tech materials—influenced nightclub design worldwide.
Arguably the most important venue in the history of electronic dance music. It was the birthplace of the "Madchester" scene and the UK's Acid House explosion in the late 80s. However, its success was its undoing—rampant ecstasy use meant alcohol sales plummeted, destabilizing finances. Combined with escalating gang violence and security issues, it led to closure in 1997. The building was demolished and replaced by apartments, but its cultural footprint remains immense as a symbol of the rave generation.
Groundbreaking electronic and dance music programming. Birthplace of Acid House in the UK and the Madchester scene.
New York, United States
Manchester, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
New York, United States
London, United Kingdom
Prague, Czech Republic
We're collecting stories from musicians who performed at The Haçienda