Royal Albert Hall

One of London's most beloved and iconic buildings, The Royal Albert Hall has hosted some of the world’s most famous musicians, sports stars and politicians since it opened in 1871. 

Access The Royal Albert Hall

- Pay nothing at the door, simply show your pass.
- Join the enthusiastic and engaging tour guides as they take you on a fascinating journey through this extraordinary Grade I-listed building.
- The pass grants you a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall.

Pass Perk

Show your London Pass to receive a 10% discount in the Royal Albert Hall's Cafe Bar and Verdi Restaurant, both of which are located inside the main daytime entrance.

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- History of the Royal Albert Hall

- Royal Albert Hall highlights

- Royal Albert Hall facts

- Don't miss

- Getting in

- Make the most of your London Pass

- Know before you go

- How to get there

History of the Royal Albert Hall

In 1851 the Great Exhibition, the first World's Fair that showcased culture and industry progress to the general public, was organised by Prince Albert. Off the back of its success, he proposed that permanent facilities like it were opened to the public all across London.

The Royal Commission then bought Gore House, where the Royal Albert Hall now stands. Sadly, Prince Albert died before work on the Hall could be completed. But six years later, Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone and work began.

The Royal Albert Hall was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Scott of the Royal Engineers, and built by the Lucas Brothers. It was designed similarly to an ancient amphitheatre, crossed with the architecture used to create the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria & Albert, or V & A, Museum).

The Royal Albert Hall officially opened on 29th March 1871. As Queen Victoria was too emotional, given the building was conceived and then dedicated to her late husband, the opening was handled predominantly by her son, Edward, Prince of Wales.

Since its opening, the Hall has gone through a myriad of development and renovation projects. Some to improve the acoustics, others to expand and refurbish the original building.

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Royal Albert Hall highlights

• See the stunning auditorium including one of the world’s most famous stages.
  
  
• Visit the Royal suite and glimpse the Queen’s private box.
  
  
• Discover the fascinating and often surprising history of the Hall.
  
  
• Hear insider stories about the Hall from their knowledgeable and engaging guides.

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Royal Albert Hall facts

• The first year that the Royal Albert Hall opened, it showed just 36 shows; a far cry from the average 400 annual events it hosts at the present.
  
  
• The gigantic glass dome that covers Royal Albert Hall spans over 20,000 square feet. Designed by the team who had previously worked on the iron and glass roof St Pancras station, the project was an ambitious one and would make Royal Albert Hall owner of the largest unsupported glass dome in the world.
  
  
• During the First and Second World Wars, the Royal Albert Hall was used as a landmark for war pilots who had lost their bearings.
  
  
• There’s a message written along the roof of the Royal Albert Hall.
  It reads:
  
  ‘This Hall was erected for the advancement of the Arts & Sciences and works of industry of all nations in fulfilment of the intention of Albert Prince Consort. The site was purchased with the proceeds of the Great Exhibition of the year MDCCCLI. The first stone of the Hall was laid by Her Majesty Queen Victoria on the twentieth day of May MDCCCLXVII and it was opened by her Majesty the twenty-ninth of March in the year MDCCCLXXI. Thine O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine. The wise and their works are in the hand of God. Glory be to God on high and on Earth peace.’
  

Want to learn more about the Royal Albert Hall's history, discover all the fun facts to take with you on your visit here!

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Don't miss

The Fashion Awards 2019
Monday 2nd December 2019 at 8 pm

The Fashion Awards are returning to the The Royal Albert Hall this year. These awards recognise creativity and innovation in fashion, and businesses that have transformed fashion today.
Last year guests included the likes of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Kate Moss, Vivienne Westwood, and Kendall Jenner, so you can be sure that this year will be another star-studded affair.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial In Concert
Sunday 8th December at 1:30 pm and 7 pm

Experience all the mystery and fun of Steven Spielberg's unforgettable masterpiece with E.T. The Extraterrestrial In Concert. See the film like never before, accompanied by a live orchestra playing the classic John Williams soundtrack along the way.

A Christmas Carol - A Live Recital
Sunday 15th December at 7:30 pm

Following a sell-out performance last year, this unique presentation of Charles Dickens’ most beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Elgar Room, blending Dickens’ evergreen story with famous carols and evocative music. Performed alongside a fantastic orchestral soundtrack filled with Christmas songs, this dramatic rendering of Dickens’ timeless tale is a unique fusion of story and music. Part concert and part play, this live recital captures all the wonder and fear of this Christmas classic.

Cirque Du Soleil - Luzia
Sunday 12th January - Sunday 1st March at 11:30 am, 3 pm, 7:30 pm and 8 pm

Cirque du Soleil return to London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2020, bringing their dazzling show Luzia to Europe for the first time. Luzia takes you to a dream-like Mexico, with surreal series visuals and breathtaking acrobatic performances.

Learn more about the Royal Albert Hall tours and exhibitions.

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Know before you go

Please check the Royal Albert Hall website for more details about event dates and tickets.

Please note: the Royal Albert Hall is a working building and the content and route of the tour may vary.

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Getting in

Show your London Pass at the door for entry.

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Make the most of your London Pass

- Visit Kensington Palace, another iconic Royal venue located close to the Royal Albert Hall. The Science Museum and V&A are all a short walk away, towards South Kensington station.

- The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and V&A are all a short walk away, towards South Kensington station

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How to get there

Bus
- 9, 10, 52, 70, 360, 452.

Underground
- South Kensington - Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines.
- High Street Kensington - Circle and District Lines
- Knightsbridge - Piccadilly Line.

All of these stations are a ten-minute walk to the Royal Albert Hall. The Hall is located in Zone 1.

Visit the Royal Albert Hall website for more travel information.

For more things to do in London, check out The London Pass® blog.

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Excellent Couldn't have been better. It made for a most enjoyable visit . I would recommend it to anyone, especially first-time visitors.
Kjersti Board from United States

Getting to Royal Albert Hall

Getting to Royal Albert Hall

• Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore London SW7 2AP
• Closest Underground Station South Kensington
• Closest Bus Stop Stops RC & RL: Route 9 23 52 360 452 N9
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Stops Blue Route Stop 28

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