An iconic landmark on the London skyline, the Royal Albert Hall sits to the west of Hyde Park, a scenic walk from the collection of hotels near Paddington and a stone’s throw from the central attractions and destinations of London’s central district.
Hosting an ever-changing itinerary of concerts and shows, considered a hub of culture and education, and of course presenting its own impressive history and architecture, the Royal Albert Hall has become somewhat of an icon of its own – with visitors visiting the site every day from their accommodation in London’s Paddington and surrounding areas.
So, what do you need to know about the Royal Albert Hall – and which facts will most impress your friends and travel group?
Opened in 1871 with a sparse itinerary
When the Royal Albert Hall opened in 1871, it showed just 36 shows over the course of the year. With less than one show per week, this sparse itinerary lies in direct contrast with the 400+ annual shows that are held there now.
Architectural Grandeur
If you have visited the Royal Albert Hall, you will know all about the glass dome which makes up the ceiling. But did you know this dome actually broke records, and still stands today as the largest ever glass dome which stands alone and completely unsupported?
The dome spans a total of 20,000 square feet so it’s no surprise that this landmark is enough to draw visitors from all over the world.
The walk towards the structure reveals a series of details
If you are planning on visiting the Royal Albert Hall, it is recommended that you book a Paddington hotel with parking – allowing you to enjoy breakfast in Paddington’s surroundings, take a walk through Hyde Park, and approach the Royal Albert Hall from afar. Why? Not only is this logistically more practical than trying to drive to the venue, but it also allows you to really take in the structure and the detail which went into its design – including the mosaic which runs around the top of the Royal Albert Hall.
This mosaic has its own story to tell, as it was originally meant to be a three dimensional mosaic sculpture like those you see in Rome – however, the tight budget meant that the designer could only complete the piece in flat tiles.
The roof has a message to share
This is a tricky one to spot, but if you look up towards the top of the Royal Albert Hall, you might be able to decipher the message that’s carved into the white band atop the mosaic. This message shares the detail of the venue’s opening and its design as a centre for the advancement of art and science, alongside a nod to religion.
An expensive centrepiece
Finally, did you know that the organ in the Royal Albert Hall cost an incredible £8,000. And that its restoration in the early 2000s cost a whopping £1.5 million. That’s an expensive centrepiece!
