Royal Albert Hall London
Royal Albert Hall Tickets
What’s On at Royal Albert Hall
The world-famous Royal Albert Hall is best known for its busy music and events calendar, which covers everything from The Proms, to classical dance, circus spectaculars and rock gigs. Experiencing an event at this incomparable venue is worth it no matter what you decide to book, but we highly recommend one of its annual dance productions. This year, Derek Deane’s acclaimed staging of the Swan Lake ballet returns for a limited run of performances; it makes the most of the layout and size of the auditorium to deliver a stunning version of Tchaikovsky’s beloved production.
About the Royal Albert Hall
Arguably London's most iconic performance venue, the Royal Albert Hall first opened in 1871. Forming part of the Prince Albert memorial space next to Kensington Gardens, this impressive feat of architecture has become synonymous with the Proms, which have been performed at the venue for almost every year since 1941.
The building's distinctive shape, reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre, was designed by Francis Fowke and Henry Y.D. Scott, and built by Lucas Brothers. Taking influence from the Italianate design trends of late Victorian England, the Hall has impressive arched windows and friezes on the outside. It was originally intended to be named The Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but Queen Victoria instead named it after her late husband, who had raised the funds for the building with profits from the 1851 Great Exhibition.
The Hall has gone through a number of renovations since its opening, including work in 1969 to vastly improve the venue's acoustics. Most recently, Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England funded work between 1996 and 2004 saw thirty smaller projects completed to bring the Hall into the 21st century. These included improved ventilation, seating, technical facilities and backstage areas; new bars and restaurants; and a redesign of the Circle seating to make it more comfortable for audiences.
Now a world-renowned performance and events hub, the Royal Albert Hall continues to be one of the capital's most diverse venues, with rock concerts, variety performances, classical orchestras and more gracing the stage.
Map and Address
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Royal Albert Hall box office open and how do I collect tickets?
What time does the Royal Albert Hall open for a show?
What food and drink are available at the Royal Albert Hall?
During a performance, visitors can enjoy wine, beers, spirits, soft drinks and light snacks from bars on every level of the auditorium.
