The Royal Albert Hall
The dome shaped Royal Albert Hall is a favourite venue with art lovers for live performances. It reminds me of the Colosseum in Rome and also appears to be the modern version of the Roman architecture. What makes the famous Royal Albert Hall popular? Here are some amazing facts:
It’s not just any old concert hall. Did you know that more than 350 performances are conducted at this venue annually and that it currently has the capacity of 5,272 people? However, when it was first built, it could entertain a capacity of 8,000. I was amazed to learn that its organ is the largest in England with 9,999 pipes. Wow!
Some historical facts to know about the Royal Albert Hall:
Prince Albert, the husband to Queen Victoria was passionate about Art and keen to create more venues in London for the public to engage in Art and science. So he wanted an entertainment arena and as a result the Albert Hall scheme began but unfortunately he passed away during the process in 1861. Queen Victoria signed the charter then work began in 1867 and finished in 1871. Albert’s dream of a concert hall constructed, came true!
The Royal Albert Hall ceiling
Inside The Royal Albert Hall
Outside the Albert Hall queueing to see ET and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with friends
My experience at the Royal Albert hall was exhilarating as I witnessed some of my favourite artists perform there. Anita Baker in July 2009, Earth Wind and Fire a few years later, Level 42 in 2013 the ET and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in December 2016. I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a few more acts out of my memorable list.
The Royal Albert Hall at night
This attractive and friendly venue is definitely not like any other venue, as you will not miss the sense of intimacy. During one of my visits, I discovered the Artist Gallery in the round along the wall in the foyer.
Some amazing facts:
- A treasured building known worldwide.
- The first Sumo wrestling tournament took place in the Royal Albert Hall in 1991.
- The dome shaped design is a clone of the Coliseum in Rome and the acoustics adjusted in 1969 after being notorious known for it’s echoes.
- It attracts more than 1 million visitors a year who visit live performances in concerts, shows, tennis, jazz, rock, classical music and live broadcasts.
Getting there:
Situated in South Kensington between the boroughs of Kensington, Westminster, and Chelsea.
By train:
Get the buses 9, 10, 52 or 452 from Victoria to South Kensington and luckily the bus stops outside the venue.
By underground:
Get the District or Circle line to High Street Kensington and it will take 10 minute to walk from there.
I’ve walked by the Royal Albert Hall in London but never been inside. I enjoyed visiting via your images.
Next time you you’re in London, it’s worth visiting. Who knows, one of your favourite artists might just be performing!
I would love to visit Royal Albert Hall. I wonder why they didn’t just add one more pipe to the organ and make it an even 10,000???
So true…I never actually thought about that!
You were so lucky to see some great artists at the Royal Albert. Live Earth, Wind and Fire!! What a lovely place with such rich history. Next time I’m in a London I should check it out.
Next time you’re in London perhaps we can watch a live performance there. But must book first….Let me know.
It would be awesome to hear the Beatles perform “A Day in the Life” at the Royal Albert Hall but I guess it’s a bit late for that now. 🙁
You never know as they might have a reunion one day!
I want to visit the place, it’s on my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing the info.
I’m glad its on your bucket list….It’s an exciting place to be! You won’t regret visiting.
It looks like a lovely theatre. I wonder why there was a problem with the accoustics in the original design? I love to figure those things out!
Apparently it has something to do with the echo at the time.
Fascinating, and wonderful photos! I’ve been to London half a dozen times and I’m sorry to say never made it to Royal Albert hall. I love the city, so I’m sure I’ll be returning one day and will definitely visit this venue when I do. Thank you!
It would be great if you could visit the venue. Can you imagine seeing your favourite bands perform there?