No surprise here – the Royal Albert Hall is packed with history, iconic performances, and some seriously cool facts. And we're not just talking about its Grade I Historic Building status (though that’s impressive too). From secret tunnels to legendary concerts, this place has stories to tell.
So, let’s dive into some of our favorite Royal Albert Hall facts – you might just see this London landmark in a whole new light!
When was the Royal Albert Hall built?
When was the Royal Albert Hall built?
In its first year, the Royal Albert Hall put on just 36 shows, amateur numbers, right? While it may seem hard to believe now, the venue opened its doors to the public in 1871 and since then it has seen a steady increase in the number of yearly events.
These days, it hosts roughly 400 events a year. That's over ten times as many as that first year! Well done, Albert. Quite the jump.
So, how old is it?
Need some help with the maths? Built in 1871, in 2021, the Hall celebrated its 150th birthday. The celebrations involved a massive project called The Great Excavation. In a nutshell, a huge renovation project got underway. However, unlike the ever-rising London skyline, Albert will benefit from a gargantuan basement instead!
Where is the Royal Albert Hall?
Where is the Royal Albert Hall?
New in town? No problem, if you're wondering where the Royal Albert Hall is, you can find it in South Kensington, right next to Hyde Park.
Perfect for a little greenery before or after your visit and close to plenty of iconic London museums, like the Design Museum and the V&A.
What is the Royal Albert Hall's record-breaking feature?
The gigantic glass dome that covers Royal Albert Hall spans over 20,000 square feet. It was designed by the team that conceived the glass roof of St Pancras station. However, the Royal Albert Hall was much more ambitious. The dome still stands as the largest unsupported glass dome in the world. They first built a test dome in Ardwick before constructing it in London.
During WW1 and WW2, the Royal Albert Hall was used as a landmark for war pilots. Since Albert has such an eye-catching roof, enemy pilots used it to reorient themselves while bombing the capital. The roof was painted black during the war, but it remained standing, resilient as ever.
The story behind the roof mosaic
The story behind the roof mosaic
If you look up at the top of the Royal Albert Hall, a large white mosaic of scientists and artists lines the base of the hall's roof. Major-General Scott, its architect, originally intended for it to be a sculptural mosaic but had to settle for a flat version due to budget constraints.
There's also a secret message written along the roof of the Royal Albert Hall
You'll have to squint to see this one. At the top of the hall's mosaic is a narrow white band covered in text. 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."
How many seats are in the Royal Albert Hall?
How many seats are in the Royal Albert Hall?
The Royal Albert Hall can seat over 5,200 people, pretty impressive for a venue from the 1800s right?
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Steps
The grand staircase at the back of Royal Albert Hall originally had a very straightforward name. The South Steps. However, they were understandably subjected to brutal London weather and the wear and tear of thousands of feet. So, they were desperately in need of an upgrade and they finally got one in 2004. Then, in 2013, they were renamed 'the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Steps', and the late Queen herself even attended the naming ceremony.
The cost of preservation
The striking Henry Willis organ at the Royal Albert Hall originally cost 8,000 pounds to construct. However, the restoration that took place between 2002-2004 to preserve its grandeur cost over a million pounds.
The 'mushrooms' solving the acoustic problem
The 'mushrooms' solving the acoustic problem
Ironically, due to the unusual domed ceiling, the Royal Albert Hall actually had really bad acoustics - not great for a concert venue! Back in the 1960s, 135 fibreglass acoustic diffusers were hung from the top to solve the issue and are now commonly referred to as 'mushrooms.'
And that's our list of Royal Albert Hall facts. Hope you enjoyed them! Why not take a closer look and book a tour?
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