Designed by Aymar Embury and opened to the public in 1931, the Guild Hall was intended as a meeting place for the local community and as a venue for the enjoyment of the visual and performing arts. The original white painted brick building, Georgian in style, faces East Hampton's Main Street and originally accommodated two art galleries framing the entry to the 400-seat John Drew Theater, marked by an octagonal tower and festively decorated inside to resemble a circus tent. Dramatic growth in both summer and year-round populations in recent decades led to wear and tear and several generations of ad hoc additions and renovations.